The Florida Gators took the nation’s longest winning streak into Sunday’s Sweet 16 matchup with No. 5 Virginia. Led by senior Danielle Pavinelli’s four goals, the Gators defeated the Cavaliers 13-8 to advance to the Elite Eight.
The Gators got out to a fast start with Pavinelli finding the back of the net just one minute into the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Gators possessed a 5-2 advantage.
But the Cavs weren’t going to go down without a fight. Kiki Shaw scored her 30th goal for Virginia just twenty-three seconds into the second quarter. By halftime, the Florida lead shrunk to just one at 7-6.
The third quarter was a physical battle with each team putting just one goal on the scoreboard . The Cavaliers evened the score with 10:44 to play in the period, but the Gators countered late in the third as Ashley Gonzalez put Florida back on top with her 33rd goal of the season.
The Gators absolutely dominated the fourth quarter as they completed the victory. Sara Falk started the scoring in the frame with a goal less than 90 seconds in.
As the final whistle blew at Virginia’s Klockner Stadium, the upset was complete and the Gators were advancing in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite turning the ball over sixteen times, the Gators were able to take control thanks largely to their success in the draw circle. Florida won 19 of 25 draws in the contest, leading to a 24-14 edge in shots on goal.
The Gators will now face No. 4 Maryland with a spot in the Final Four at stake. Maryland has cruised to a pair of easy victories in the tournament, 17-1 over Robert Morris and 17-7 over James Madison. The two teams played a memorable game early in the season with Florida taking a 13-12 overtime win for their first win of the season.
If this matchup is anything like the earlier season meeting, the entire fan base is in for a treat.
ChompTalk.com 
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