GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The no. 6 ranked Florida lacrosse team knocked off the Jacksonville University Dolphins in the first round of the NCAA Tournament 13-7.
Danielle Pavinelli and Sarah Reznick came up big in the second half to lead the Gators to victory. Pavinelli joined the 200 point club for her career and Reznick broke the UF single-game saves record with 17.
Program record day for @sarahreznick 😎#FLax | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/HpIHwjAV04
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) May 12, 2023
Pavinelli led the offensive attack with five goals, while Emma LoPinto had two. Maggi Hall, Ashley Gonzalez, Madison Waters, Paisley Eagan, Josie Hahn and Emily Diaz posted one score.
The offense moved the ball around all day with 10 assists as a team. Hall and LoPinto led the attack with three and Gonzalez had two. Emily Heller and Pavinelli added one apiece.
The Gators won 9 draws in the circle, with Kaitlyn Davies leading the way with five. Shelton Sawers and Heller each added two.
The defense stepped up big allowing only two goals in the first half and five in the second. The team forced 12 turnovers as well.
Eleven Gators picked up groundballs for a total of 20. Reznick led the team with four, while Becky Browndorf had three. Heller, Theresa Bragg, Eagan and Kaitlyn Davies collected two. Pavinelli, LoPinto, M. Waters, Alexa Waters and Emerson Cabrera added one.
Reznick was stellar in the net, saving 17 shots on 35 attempts for a .708 save percentage. She also broke another program-record with 71-straight games with a recorded save.
Head Coach Amanda O’Leary accredited the team’s experience and grit for pulling away in the second half. The Dolphins made a charge in the third quarter, pulling within two goals. O’Leary said, “They have the fight, the grit and this is how they played all season.”
The Gators will take on the winner of Mercer and Notre Dame in the Round of 16 on Sunday. The game is slated to begin at noon.