ChompTalk.com

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gators lacrosse team will open their season as the No. 12 team in the country, according to the USA Lacrosse preseason poll.

After an impressive 17-4 campaign last season, the AAC Champion Gators will have their hands full this year with a tough schedule. Five of their regular season opponents are in the top 20, with four of the five in the top 10.

The Gators lost two key starters this offseason. With highly decorated goalkeeper Sarah Reznick graduating, Florida’s next goalkeeper will have big shoes to fill this year. The Gators also lost their leading goal scorer for the 2023 season, Emma LoPinto to the transfer portal. The team will lean on Danielle Pavinelli and Maggi Hall to score goals this season.

Meanwhile, a pair of seniors were named to the USA Lacrosse Magazine’s Division I Preseason All-American list. Emily Heller and Danielle Pavinelli were selected after stellar 2023 campaigns. 

Heller, a fifth-year senior, was selected as the AAC Midfielder of the year for the 2023 season and also named an IWLCA Second Team All-American. She tallied 43 points and 40 ground balls on the season. 

Pavinelli, a 2023 All-AAC First Team selection, scored 47 goals last season and assisted on 21. 

Florida will open the season with three straight road games. Starting the year at No. 9 Loyola on Feb. 10. The Gators will then head to Chapel Hill on Feb. 17 to take on No. 3 University of North Carolina. They’ll conclude their road trip on Feb. 24 at No. 6 University of Maryland. 

The home opener will be on Feb. 28 against Jacksonville University.