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With just 1:35 remaining on the clock in the second overtime period, Florida junior midfielder Kaitlyn Davies fired a shot on net in heavy traffic and got a magical bounce to send the Gators past Stanford and into the NCAA’s Elite Eight. Florida completed the 13-12 win despite heavy rain and a vicious comeback bid by the Cardinal.

For the Gators (19-2), this is the fourth quarterfinal appearance in the last five years, including last year’s run to the Final Four.

Since the program’s inception in 2010, Florida has advanced to the quarters seven times. They will be seeking their third trip to the Final Four.

How It Happened:

Stanford got the scoring started with a goal just over two minutes into the game. Florida, however, answered with a pair of goals off the sticks of Jordan Basso (33) and Gianna Monaco (70). The Cardinal evened it up at two before the end of the first period of play.

The Gators opened the second quarter with three straight goals to take a 5-2 advantage. Basso scores two of those (35) while Josie Hahn added one with the assist from sister Frannie Hahn. Stanford scored two more before freshman Clark Hamilton (52) added another before the halftime break to make it 6-4.

The Gators were largely outplayed in the third quarter as Stanford forced several turnovers in the offensive end. The Cardinal erupted for five goals while only allowing the Gators a pair. Stanford entered the fourth frame with a 9-8 lead and momentum from scoring the final three goals of the third.

The start of the fourth quarter belonged to Davies. She evened the score at 9-9 just :39 into the fourth. :59 later, Basso (36) gave the Gators a 10-9 lead. But the fireworks didn’t stop there. Just eight seconds later, Davies scored again (48) to put Florida up by two.

The Gators then went up by three less than two minutes later as Davies (49) found the back of the net again.  Florida appeared to be in cruise control from there.

However, the Cardinal weren’t done, yet. Stanford came all the way back with three straight goals by the end of regulation. Largely, Florida’s turnovers led to opportunities that Stanford overcame.

Both teams has an opportunity in the first overtime, but Florida turned the ball over late in their possession and relyed on a defensive stop to force another period of play.

In the double-overtime period, UF gained possession with a draw control by Josie Hahn. A foul deep in the offensive end sent Monaco to the free position line with the win just one shot away. Monaco’s free position shot was wide but ended up in Frannie Hahn’s possession off the loose ball. Hahn got it to Davies who took a shot that struck Stanford GK Lucy Pearson’s thigh. Pearson’s stick then hit the ball backwards towards the net. The Gators celebrated and the officials pointed to the sky to signal a goal. Review wasn’t conclusive enough to say “no goal” and the Gators were declared winners.

The Gators turned the ball over fifteen times but won the draw control battle, 16-14. Davies finished with five goals while Basso added four more. Monaco (2) and Basso (1) completed the scoring for Florida.

Up Next:

Florida will remain at home for their Elite 8 contest with Duke. The Blue Devils defeated No. 5 seed Virginia 17-9 to advance. Duke is 14-5 overall on the season and went 6-3 in the ACC.