GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators (7-3) dominated on both sides of the ball against their AAC opponent Cincinnati Bearcats (8-4). The Gators won 20-5 in a game that saw a running clock in the first quarter.
The Gators took an early 3-0 lead and never really let the game get close from there. The Gators controlled most of the possession, winning the draws controlled battle 20-7 and keeping the ball mainly in Cincinnati territory.
Twelve Gators scored in the lopsided affair, with Emily Heller leading the team with four goals, including a first quarter hat-trick. Danielle Pavinelli had a hat-trick of her own as well. Emma LoPinto led the team with her six point effort, scoring two goals and assisting on four. Maggi Hall and Tayler Warehime also netted two goals each. The other seven Gators to score were: Madison Waters, Paisley Eagan, Josie Hahn, Ashley Gonzalez, Gianna Monaco, Jenny Woodings and Janine Suris. The Gators converted on five of their seven free position shots.
Seven Gators dished out assists on the day, with Heller leading with her four. Hall had two, while Bella Palagonia, Emerson Cabrera, Ava Tighe, Pavinelli and Monaco served up one.
Emily Diaz took command of the center circle with eight draw controls. Liz Harrison controlled four and Heller controlled three. Kaitlyn Davies, Carly Wilson, Hahn, Eagan and Palagonia all had one.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Gators only allowed four goals on 15 shots. Sarah Reznick had five saves and four goals allowed through three quarters. Elyse Finnelle had one save and one goal allowed in the fourth quarter.
The Gators forced nine turnovers and were a perfect 11 for 11 on clearances. The Gators also had 15 groundballs on the day.
The Gators are back in action on April 1st at Donald R. Dizney Stadium against the Penn Quakers. Opening draw is set for 12 p.m. on ESPN+.