GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 8 Florida Gators defeated the No. 23 Penn Quakers in their first ever meeting 17-13. Ashley Gonzalez set a new program record with seven assists and Liz Harrison tied a program record with 16 draw controls.
The contest was a close one for most of the game, with the fourth quarter starting 10-10. The Gators pulled away late in the game to finish comfortably.
The Gator’s offense was led by Emma LoPinto, who finished with four goals. Josie Hahn netted three. Maggi Hall, Danielle Pavinelli, Paisley Eagan and Ava Tighe had two goals apiece. Madison Waters and Kaitlyn Davies had a goal as well.
Record-setter Gonzalez had seven of the Gator’s 12 assists on the day. Hall and Pavinelli each had two, while LoPinto had one.
The Gators controlled 22 draws, led by Harrsion’s record-tying effort. Shelton Sawers had three controls, Emily Heller had two, and Eagan had one.
Gonzalez and Heller led the team with three ground balls each. Goalkeeper Sarah Reznick collected two. LoPinto, Hall, Pavinelli, Eagan and Becky Browndorf each had one ground ball.
On the defensive side of the ball, LoPinto also led the team with three turnovers forced. Browndorf had two, while Pavinelli, Eagan, Heller and Theresa Bragg had one.
Between the pipes, Reznick stopped 11 shots on 24 attempts, giving her a .458 save percentage. The team went 12 for 13 on successful clearances.
The Gators hit the road next Saturday, April 8th, to take on AAC opponent Temple University. The Game will be streamed on ESPN+ and is set to begin at 12 p.m.