PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The no. 8 Florida Gators lacrosse team (15-3) advanced to the AAC tournament championship with a 12-9 win over the East Carolina Pirates (10-8).
The Pirates led after three quarters, but a late 5 goal surge in the fourth carried the Gators to victory.
Maggi Hall and Emma LoPinto each logged hat-tricks in the contest, while AAC Midfielder of the Year Emily Heller scored two. Heller also joined the 100 point club for her career.
Paisley Eagan also joined the 100 point club with a behind-the-back goal. Madison Waters, Kaitlyn Davies and Tayler Warehime scored as well.
Hall led the team with a career-high five goals. Ashley Gonzalez dishes out an assist as well.
Heller led the team with four draw controls and the Gators won 12 of 22 on the night.
AAC Goalkeeper of the Year Sarah Reznick saved 11 shots in the contest, with a .550 save percentage.
The Gators defense stepped up and shutout the Pirates in the fourth. Heller, Theresa Bragg, Catherine Flaherty and Gonzalez each forced a turnover.
Danielle Pavinelli collected a team-high four groundballs. LoPinto, Flaherty and Josie Hahn tallied two apiece.
The Gators will carry their 10-game winning streak and nine straight conference championships into their matchup against no. 5 James Madison University. The game is set for Saturday, May 6th at 12 p.m.