ChompTalk.com

Florida Gators lacrosse is on its way to the Final Four after blowing by the Maryland Terrapins Saturday afternoon, 15-9. Now the stage is set for the Orange and Blue to make its final push for a spot in the national title game. It will be UF’s first trip back to the Final Four since 2012.

The only thing standing in their way now is the No. 1 ranked Northwestern Wildcats (17-2, 5-1) who toppled No. 9 Pennsylvania, 20-7, to punch their ticket to the NCAA semifinal.

Florida and Northwestern never crossed paths this season. In fact, it’s been a full decade since the lacrosse programs have come face-to-face, when the Wildcats slid past the Gators by one goal in the 2014 national championship quarterfinals, 12-11.

The Gators are hoping to continue its historical 20-game win streak against the defending national champion Wildcats, who’s just as effective on offense. Florida is able to penetrate opponent’s defenses to rack up 32.4 points shots per game while Northwestern is averaging is 34.8 shots.

Look for senior attacker Maggi Hall to pave the way on Friday as she hopes to capitalize on a six goal performance in the NCAA semifinal. Fellow attacker Danielle Pavinelli will also look to make an impact as the Gators need all hands on deck to match the dangerous offense of Northwestern.

Redshirt goalkeeper Elyse Finnelle is seeking her 10th-straight win in the cage, making 10 saves while facing a total of 36 shots. The Deale, Maryland native only allowed nine goals to reach the back of the net.

The opening face off is slated for 3 p.m. ET and the teams will challenge one another in neutral territory in Cary, North Carolina. The game will broadcast on ESPNU.