With two games remaining on Florida’s regular season schedule, the Gators already have everything there is to play for before May. Now, Florida can focus on getting in postseason shape as the AAC and NCAA tournaments loom.
No. 10 Florida (11-4, 4-0 AAC) defeated Temple (10-5, 3-1 ACC) 18-7 and clinched an 11th-straight regular season conference title in the process. Barring any changes in the next two meets, UF seems destined to have its way in the AAC semifinals on May 5 with nine consecutive victories and an undefeated conference record.
Danielle Pavinelli tacked on another statement performance to her historic season. The sophomore led the way with five goals in the game. Emerson Cabrera followed suit, earning her second hat-trick of the season.
Six other Gators found the back of the net Saturday which added up to the avalanche of goals over Temple. UF scored eight in the second quarter alone, surpassing the Owls’ game total.
“This was a total team effort today,” head coach Amanda O’Leary said. “We were making things work on the offensive end, our defense came out and played really solid.”
Next up on the slate for UF is Jacksonville University. Although Florida has clinched a regular season title, it would like to keep momentum up through the conference tournament and carry that to the elusive NCAA final four, a mark the Gators have not achieved since 2012. Jacksonville serves as ample prep ranked 22nd in the IWLCA poll.
First draw for Florida’s final home game is Wednesday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m.