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  • LAX: No. 3 North Carolina Hands No. 5 Gators First Home Loss Since May 2023

    LAX: No. 3 North Carolina Hands No. 5 Gators First Home Loss Since May 2023

    Photo via Gainesville Sports Commission

    North Carolina defeated Florida in Gainesville on Saturday afternoon, 14-9. The Tar Heels got revenge from last year’s matchup in the first round of the NCAA tournament, where the Gators won 17-8.

    The first few minutes of the match consisted of solid defense from both teams leading to turnovers.

    The Tarheels struck first blood with a goal from Chloe Humphrey. The redshirt freshman extended North Carolina’s lead to 2-0 on a free position opportunity.

    Chloe Humphrey has been crucial to the Tar Heels offense this season, entering Saturday with eight goals through two games.

    Florida got on the board with a score from Gianna Monaco, assisted by skilled passer Frannie Hahn. 

    North Carolina converted two more goals before the end of the first, extending its lead, 4-1.

    The Gators committed six turnovers in the first quarter and only had two shots on goal, compared to the Tar Heels’ six. 

    The second began with a family affair for both squads. Josie Hahn scored her first goal of the season with an assist from her sister Frannie Hahn. North Carolina kept the sentiment alive with a Chole Humphrey score, assisted by sister Ashley Humphrey. 

    The Gators scored two more goals after the halfway point in the second, one from Kaitlyn Davies and another from Gabbi Greene. Florida found new energy and showed no fear when attacking the net.

    North Carolina responded with two straight goals in a minute. One from Kate Levy, and one from Inside Lacrosse’s No.1 recruit in the Class of 2023, Chloe Humphrey.

    The Tar Heels led at halftime, 7-4.

    The defenses stood their ground to start the second half, limiting shot attempts and offensive production.

    However, that all changed with a Davies goal at 10:51. The Gator junior was selected as Big 12 Preseason Midfielder of the Year and continues to lead Florida’s young team. 

    The Tar Heels outscored the Gators 4-1 in the final nine minutes of the third, thanks to dominance in the draw circle and the excellence of the Humphrey sisters.

    North Carolina led 11-6 heading into the final quarter.

    In the final 15, both teams exchanged goals back and forth before the halfway point. Florida tried to rally with 6:57 to go, however, time and turnovers got the best of the Gators.

    Ashley Humphrey scored the dagger with 2:31 to go, putting the exclamation mark on a great performance. The graduate student scored three goals in the game and assisted on six. 

    The No.3 Tarheels prevailed 14-9, handing No.5 Florida its first home loss since May 14, 2023, against Notre Dame. 

    The Gators will travel to Tampa for its next matchup against South Florida on Tuesday, February 18. The Bulls are 3-0 to start the season, outscoring opponents 47-21. First draw is set for 6 p.m.

  • BSB: Peterson deals, bats shine in Gators’ season opener

    BSB: Peterson deals, bats shine in Gators’ season opener

    Photo by Samuel Lewis • Getty Images

    With the 2025 season finally underway, Gators baseball relied on a slurry of production from the mound and at the plate, including a combined shutout and 16 total strikeouts, to secure their first win of the new year.

    The No. 10 Florida Gators (1-0) defeated Air Force (0-1) 7-0 Friday night to kick off the 2025 season. Peterson recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts — tied with Hunter Barco for the most by a Gators ace on opening day — and tossed six scoreless innings in the win.

    Neither team could find runs in opening two innings of the year. Florida relied on it’s Friday night arm to hold firm in the opening moments. Peterson, who went 3-6 with a 6.43 ERA last season, struggled at times with blowup innings early on in games his freshman season.

    “I think I got rid of those first-game jitters,” Peterson. “I can definitely say I did a lot of thinking last year, and 80% of that thinking wasn’t helpful at all.”

    Peterson found himself in a familiar early jam when a leadoff double from Air Force designated hitter Tripp Garrish hit a leadoff double in the second inning and advanced to third on a fly out. The right-handed flamethrower then sat the next two batters and came out of the inning with some juice.

    That might’ve been the fire Florida’s bats needed. The next inning, Gators designated hitter Brody Donay tattooed the first pitch of his at-bat over the left outfield wall. Florida followed it up with an RBI-single from third baseman Bobby Boser and a two-RBI single from second baseman Cade Kurland.

    By the time Air Force could force its way out of the third inning, the damage had been done. Florida led 4-0 and had no intentions of letting up.

    “You don’t get many first whatever’s,” Donay said. “Sometimes stuff just happens.”

    Air Force’s struggles didn’t end there. Florida hit four singles with a walk mixed in to add two more runs in the bottom-fifth inning. Catcher Luke Heyman added another run on a double play as Boser scored. Air Force pulled its starter before it was able to relieve itself on defense, now down 7-0.

    “I didn’t think anybody was gonna get the ball out tonight, I mean that ball was crushed,” Gators head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “There were guys that didn’t get to hit tonight that would’ve started other years. But they’ll get their opportunity.”

    Peterson was pulled before the seventh inning in favor of O’Sullivan seeing the less experienced arms in his bullpen. First up was righty Caden McDonald, who got the call for the seventh and eighth innings and struck out three batters.

    Freshman Jackson Barberi came in for the close. He picked up a strikeout of his own as the Gators secured the win and the shutout.

    “All in all, the pitching was really, really solid tonight,” O’Sullivan said.

    Due to anticipated weather conditions, Florida and Air Force will play both remaining games of the series tomorrow. Game one will begin at 1 p.m. with game two slated to start at 4:00 p.m. Jake Clemente and Pierce Coppola are expected to make the starts on the mounds.

  • WGYM Liveblog: No. 12 Auburn at No. 3 Florida

    WGYM Liveblog: No. 12 Auburn at No. 3 Florida

    Good evening, Gator fans! It’s been two weeks since we last saw each other, and a lot has happened – Florida saw an unexpected loss in Arkansas last week… oof.

    Here’s what we learn from that:

    • Florida is not as deep as we thought
    • This beam team is not as solid as we thought
    • I can never take a meet off again

    Just kidding… But I’m here tonight when I probably shouldn’t be just to make sure. LSU also lost to Arkansas, so I don’t necessarily feel as bad? Maybe it’s something about that arena that’s just flukey. It’s also February, and illnesses are going around college campuses with as cold as it’s been and it being flu season – maybe that also had something to do with it. Hard to really know.

    There’s a few things we should all keep our eyes on tonight to determine if last week really was a fluke or if we need to be concerned:

    • Both Blakelys back in their respective lineups
    • Anya Pilgrim and Selena Harris looking like their rockstar selves again
    • The beam team not absolutely melting down if there’s one small mistake

    Head coach Jenny Rowland teased on a UF podcast this week that we might see some different routine constructions tonight, even from athletes we’re familiar with, and I don’t know whether to be excited or scared. Maybe a shake up is exactly what they need? I keep reminding myself that it is still February, and only the second week of February, so there’s still lots of time to figure out the sweet spot for this team. No need to doom and gloom or start panicking for at least another few weeks.

    I’m making it in just under the wire tonight – we start at 8:30! Live stats are here, and action will be on SECN shortly.

    I’ve been so harried this week I almost forgot it was Link to Pink!! Always a great tradition for the Gators. Commentator and alum Bridget Sloan saying on stream that Rowland isn’t worried about the mistakes last week – they’re human, they’re going to make mistakes. It’s just a matter of bouncing back. I hope they can do that tonight.

    8:37pm: Rotation 1 time!

    Pilgrim, UF VT: An early lineup change here – in instead of Lazzari, I like that change honestly. Y1.5, clean in the air, great dynamics, sizable hop forward.

    Boyd, Aub UB: Good opening handstand work, big leg sep on her Maloney. Pak is very clean though. Last handstand is rushed and piked. Stalder to double tuck dismount, has to swim for it but doesn’t move those feet!

    Bui, VT: Y1.5, a little undercooked, has to scoot her feet back under herself.

    Bartman, UB: Good opening handstand. Big leg sep on her pak, veeeery close caught, but somehow saved it. van Leeuwen is better. Patient with the blind change and goes over the right way, double front, step back. That’ll be a lower score, even without actually falling.

    Ferris, VT: Y1.5, opened a little early, has to take a step back to steady herself. Better rotated than Bui but still a little under.

    Groth, UB: Great opening handstand. Ray is super floaty. Pak salto is lovely. Last handstand is good, a little late on her final pirouette, sticks her double tuck dismount.

    Wong, VT: Yhalf-on, pike half off, just a little slide back on the landing. Good dynamics, good body shape this week. That should be a better score.

    Irvine, UB: Great opening handstand and blind change. Piked Jaeger to overshoot, well connected and decently controlled. Good final handstand. Full in has some knees and feet but she sticks!

    8:45pm: Disidore, VT: Love to see her getting the nod this week! Let’s hope it’s a good one. Y1.5, HUGE distance but big step forward too. Would rather her be over than under, but still not great.

    Greaves, UB: Tkachev to pak, big leg separation there, saved it, but then goes over on her low bar handstand and falls! Oof. Remounts, van Leeuwen is okay, some knee bend maybe? Full in is stuck, but definitely too little too late. Going to count the 9.45 from Bartman, that’ll hurt.

    Harris-Miranda, VT: Y1.5, little hop forward, very clean in the air. No sticks tonight, but a good first rotation back given how last meet ended.

    Jong, UB: Chow to pak, pretty textbook. van Leeuwen has some leg sep? Full in, little stutter step back.

    AFTER ONE: UF 49.275, AUB 48.925

    Big hugs during the Link to Pink honors pre-meet for Pat Draser, Skylar’s grandma who’s also a breast cancer survivor. That’s really sweet!

    Will be interested to see what Auburn’s vault lineup looks like as far as 10.0 start values this year, and will be interested to see how Gators bars turn out – definitely some different constructions spotted in warmups. Potential dismount changes for Harris-Miranda and McCusker.

    8:56pm: Rotation 2 – Huff just did the opening competitive vault – it’s a Y1.5, looked fine, some knees and a big step forward. We got no introduction, almost missed it!

    Pilgrim, UB: Pak is clean, van Leeuwen LOVELY. Full in slings out far but sticks!

    Schumaker, VT: Y1.5 tucked, big bounce forward but good amplitude.

    McCusker, UB: Good opening handstand. Chow to pak, so clean. van Leeuwen, legs just glued together. Stalder to double tuck dismount, little step on the landing.

    Hubbard, VT: Y1.5, kinda flat – lots of distance but no height – and big bounce forward. Definitely some knees too.

    9pm: Blakely Jr., UB: Great opening handstand – but falls on her Ricna. That’s not good. Rechalks, talks herself up. Almost goes over the wrong way on her handstand when she gets back up!! Ricna to pak is great this time. Blind change looked a bit labored but hits 180 degrees fine. Sticks her double front half out – that’s so tough. What great fight though.

    Jong, VT: Y1.5, looked like the landing surprised her almost? Like she almost didn’t make it around? Little hop forward.

    Wong, UB: Great opening handstand. Little sep on the Maloney, pak and van Leeuwen are clean. DLO is stuck cold!

    Zancan, VT: Fhs onto the board, fhs onto the board, front tuck off – that’s definitely unusual! Little hop forward – doesn’t hold her landing position long, maybe lack of control deduction.

    Harris-Miranda, UB: Ray is goooorgeous. Great handstand work, bail is DEAD on. Last handstands are excellent. DLO is stuck! That could go 10??

    Zois, VT: Yfull, just super clean, little bounce in place. Really solid to close.

    Bui, UB: Chow to pak, got her legs crossed in the air it looked like?? Rolls around the bar and has to hold on for a second. Gators will have to count a miss for a third meet so far this year…

    AFTER TWO: UF 98.325, AUB 98.225

    Well, that lead quickly evaporated. They need to not let these mistakes compound on beam and just forget everything that happened.

    9:17pm: Rotation 3! Let’s see how they deal with beam tonight.

    Draser, UF BB: Bhs loso, super steady to start it off. Switch leap to switch half, little check there. Full turn is clean. Roundoff 1.5, little step on the landing.

    Zancan, Aub FX: Punch through to double pike, definitely underrotated, loses her balance stumbling forward, leg up behind her. Triple element dance series, looked pretty precise actually, good positions in the air. Double tuck is much better, well controlled too. Okay start, but they’ll need that first pass to shape up sooner rather than later.

    Blakely Sr., BB: Front aerial to bhs, connection should be fine. Split leap to switch half to beat jump, SO clean and quick. Gainer full off the side, HOLDS it, then celebrates! That’s the way to return to the lineup after a week out.

    Greaves, FX: Surprised to see her on floor but I’m here for it! Front through to double tuck, strong opening. Switch ring to switch half, not overly great but should meet 180 just fine. Double pike is pretty textbook! Switch ring half to straddle jump… that’s less good. Her choreo is honestly just posing too, not my favorite routine.

    Pilgrim, BB: Candle mount is great. Bhs loso, little lean but moves through it like it’s nothing. Full turn is clean. Cat leap to front aerial, super steady. Switch to split leap, gorgeous 180 positions. Bhs gainer full off the side, little adjustment maybe? Yeah, slow mo shows the actual step.

    Bell, FX: Punch front double full to punch front, WOW, that takes power – twisting form is a little wild, and so are her positions on her dance series, definitely some feet and knees in the split position. Double pike to close – really strong performance but needs some cleaning.

    Nguyen, BB: I’ll never get over her rolling split mount, it’s so fun. Onodi to bhs, super clean, well connected. Full turn is nice and precise. Switch to split, the BEST split positions we’ve seen all night easy. Bhs 1.5 dismount STUCK! Should be a fabulous score.

    Jong, FX: Full in to open, really gorgeous form actually, and well controlled. Double wolf turn, has to come up out of it a little. Fudges her tour jete full in the second part of her dance series, it looked like? Combo pass to close is nice and clean, but again, needs just a little refining I thinks.

    9:30pm: Wong, BB: Switch leap to split leap, lovely. Front aerial to split jump, SO sharp. Bhs loso, DEAD on. Gainer tuck full off the end – little adjustment, not sure if the judges could see it from their angle, honestly.

    McLaughlin, FX: 1.5 to front full, very clean. Dance series is super precise, really leaning into the choreo as the crowd goes NUTS for Wong’s 10.0. Double pike, overcooks it and stumbles back but keeps it in bounds.

    Harris-Miranda, BB: Bhs loso bhs, little lean. Switch leap to split jump, good positions in the air. Full turn is fine. Front toss is excellent! Roundoff 1.5 twist dismount is stuck! A great recovery after a tough week last week.

    Groth, FX: Front double full to open, good control coming out. Nice and crisp with her dance series there, one of the better wolf positions. 1.5 to front lay, little scoot back of the feet, otherwise excellent. Rudi to close as her teammates sing Dancing Queen behind her. A great anchor routine if I’ve ever seen one!

    AFTER THREE: UF 148.025, AUB 147.4

    The Gators found that lead back REAL quick. We love to see a bounce back week like this! 49.7 is the highest beam score in the nation so far this season.

    9:48pm: Last one best one, let’s get it done!

    Ahern, Aub BB: Bhs loso, gets lots of air on that second element. Dance series is well connected, good 180 position there. Sticks her dismount!

    Nguyen, UF FX: Really showcasing her flexibility and lines in this opening choreography, I’m in love. Front double full into sissone to open, no sting mat this week – I think it was messing her up, honestly. Switch ring to switch half, gorgeous positions in the air. 1.5 to front lay, great control into her arabesque. Y turn is exceptional to finish out. That’s an incredible leadoff routine, honestly.

    Greaves, BB: Double wolf turn, a little bobble but stays on fine. Bhs loso, much steadier. Beat to side aerial, technique a little unusual but pretty clean. Gainer full off the end, little shift of one foot it looked like.

    Ferris, FX: Really bringing the drama in this opening choreo section, I like to see this performance quality from her. Full in this week, okay! Looks strong. Straddle elements are good in the air, maybe a little imprecise on landing position of her second element. 1.5 to front layout, not quite the rise I want in that second element but overall fine. Big celebration from AHC Adrian Burde afterward! Love that.

    Zancan, BB: Bhs loso to open, little lean to one side but locks it down. Switch leap, hesitation, to switch half to split jump, added that third element as backup, I’d imagine. Roundoff 1.5 dismount is stuck – quick thinking there on her part to keep that 10.0 SV.

    Clark, FX: HUGE straddle jump to start her routine off here, followed by an even bigger DLO, which goes out of bounds! Oh no! Both feet it looked like, full 3 tenths. Really serving this choreography section in the middle, everyone feels sharper tonight. Dance series is fabulous. Punch through to double tuck is much better, well controlled. Does not move that front foot, even in the slow-mo replay!

    Groth, BB: Bhs loso bhs, BIG scream of celebration as she lays it in. Switch to switch half, definitely some knees and feet there. Full turn, little wobble but keeps it small. Cartwheel to gainer full off the side is stuck!

    10pm: Blakely Sr., FX: Full in is fabulous, well controlled. Greaaaaat extension on her leap series, wow. Looked like her legs went on forever. Really hitting even the small moments in the music just right in her middle choreography section tonight, I love this. 1.5 to front full, very clean. Another fabulous routine!

    Jong, BB: Double wolf turn, very steady. Loso loso, little check but keeps it small. Switch leap to pike jump, love that! Don’t see those very often. Roundoff double full, looked like her foot slipped on her punch off the end.

    A 10.0 FOR SLOANE BLAKELY LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    10:04pm: Wong, FX: Get ready for the Rah Rah Rasputin routine! DLO, allllmost steps back over the line but uses the lean to go into her choreo instead – won’t fool the judges, but helped keep her in bounds at least. Whip half front full for her second pass, super clean.

    McLaughlin, BB: Finishing out for Auburn tonight. Bhs loso, locks those arms down, not moving an inch. Beat jump to side aerial, again, so steady. Split jump to straddle 1/2, interesting technique but that’s definitely what skill it was. Full turn is clean. Gainer pike off the end is stuck! A solid beam rotation for them.

    Harris-Miranda, FX: Front through to double tuck, a little overdone and wobbles a little on her landing, but doesn’t move her feet from what I could see. Switch side to straddle 1/2, very precise. 1.5 to front half to double stag jump – just needs a little cleaning but the Gators really dialed it up to 11 on the performance quality tonight, I’m obsessed.

    FINAL: UF 197.625, AUB 196.825

    Wong and Harris-Miranda tied for the AA title at 39.75 and UB at 9.975, Wong and Zois tied for vault at 9.9, Wong earned the BB title and Sloane Blakely the FX title both with those perfect 10.0s. Blakely just said on broadcast that she had a concussion, which is why she was out last week, so for her to get a 10.0 tonight feels doubly awesome.

    Overall, a really strong comeback meet for Florida, but not without concern – bars is a problem right now, and vault isn’t exactly the strength it was supposed to be. No sticks tonight made for a very mid rotation. A win here feels necessary, so let’s check that box, but not feel too proud there. The high 197 is definitely a more encouraging number, and the second half of the meet is what really feels like the big win.

    That’s all for me tonight! I’ll be back for UF/OU next Friday – it’s a big week! See you then!

  • SB: No. 2 Gators stay undefeated with dominant win over Boston College

    SB: No. 2 Gators stay undefeated with dominant win over Boston College

    Photo via FloridaGators.com

    Gators freshman right fielder Taylor Shumaker knows how to fill a role, especially as Florida’s only freshman starter. She has been nothing but impressionable behind home plate as she leads the teams behind veteran players.

    In the bottom of the third, she planted her feet behind home plate she she tilted her arms back and eyed the ball. Shumaker locked eyes and launched the ball to left field as she made her way around the diamond. Her teammates cheered her on as she made her way to home plate and managed to score the only home run of the game.

    The No. 2 Florida Gators softball team (9-0) defeated the Boston College Eagles (3-3) 12-7 Thursday evening for the first game of the Bubly Invitational in Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

    UF sophmore right-handed pitcher Ava Brown started on the mound for the Gators. Brown kept her composure on the circle as she struck out the first few Eagles batters. Boston College brought the heat after Brown gave up a walk to senior infielder Zoe Hines. A quick look to home plate from Brown quickly ended the Eagles high as Hines stretch to home plate was unearned.

    “We have been leaning on each other and just having trust in each other has allowed us to be so successful,” catcher Jocelyn Erickson said.

    Boston College right-handed pitcher Abby Dunning walked UF senior center fielder Kendra Falby to start he bottom of the first inning. Florida earned its first run of the game with a RBI single to left field from the junior, Erickson, and brought Falby home.

    Shumaker stole home base to put the Gators in the lead 2 to 1. Moments later, Erickson scored off junior third baseman Kenleigh Cahalan who reached on a fielders choice.

    With the bases loaded a single to left field from sophomore second baseman Mia Williams, Dunning walked UF sophomore designated hitter Cassidy McLellan to bring senior first baseman Reagan Walsh home.

    “We have been leaning on each other and just having trust in each other has allowed us to be so successful,” Erickson said.

    Florida closed the the first inning with a fly out to left field from senior shortstop Rylee Holtorf which brought Cahalan back to home plate and gave the Gators a four-run lead.

    The Eagles fought to stay in the game with the bases loaded early in the second, but a quick catch by Holtorf put an end to their chances at an earned run. It was much later that Boston College found their momentum, Brown gave up a walk to sophomore shortstop Gator Robinson which was followed by three runs later, the last being off a wild pitch. However, it wasn’t enough to carry over the Gators as they remained in the lead 5 to 4.

    Erickson found her groove in the bottom half of the second as she doubled to right center for two earned runs that brought home Otis and Shumaker. Cahalan closed out the second with with a fly out to center field that brought Erickson home and pushed the Gators lead to 8 to 4.

    Boston College found their way with one run scored early in the third, but the Gators kept their fiery momentum. A double from Falby scored Holtorf home and a homer from Shumaker sealed the third as she carried Falby home for a 11 to 5 lead over the Eagles.

    UF shut the Eagles out of the fourth as they remained scoreless. The Gators found themself at second base but were unable to make their way around the diamond to end the fourth.

    Gators sophomore right-handed pitcher Kara Hammock replaced Brown on the mound to start the fifth. Eagles junior third baseman Janis Espinoza singled to center field and brought senior right fielder Jordan Stephens home.

    While Florida remained in the lead 11 to 6 they were unable get on the board to close the fifth. A quite sixth inning gave Florida one run a with a double to left field brought Williams home.

    Next up, the Gators will continue their run in the Bubly Invitational with a double header against Duke and Providence at 4:30 p.m.

  • SB: Gators Power Past Stetson, 11-0

    SB: Gators Power Past Stetson, 11-0

    Photo via FloridaGators.com

    The Florida Gators continued their torrid start to the 2025 season with another run-rule victory, this time over the Stetson Hatters. Florida is now 8-0 on the season heading into this weekend’s Bubly Invitational in Gainesville.

    The Gators slugged their way to a 11-0 rout of Stetson in front of 1,180 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

    Following a 1-2-3 inning from ace Keagan Rothrock in the top of the first, the Florida offense erupted. Leadoff hitter Kendra Falby got things started by beating out and infield single. She then stole second and third base during Korbe Otis’ at-bat (a walk). With reigning SEC Player of the Year Jocelyn Erickson at the dish, Otis took off for second and the throw allowed Falby to take off for home, easily beating the throw to the plate.

    Florida’s 1-0 lead didn’t last long. Erickson crushed a no-doubt home run to to right center to increase the lead to 3-0. Two batters later, Alabama transfer Kenleigh Cahalan hit her first homer for the Orange and Blue, a two-run shot that carried to the batter’s eye beyond the center field fence.

    Florida added to the lead in the third inning as Erickson led off the frame by smacking it over the Hatters right fielder for a triple. The next at-bat, Walsh hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left to plate Erickson.

    Florida put the game in run-rule territory in the fourth inning. Mia Williams crushed an absolute moonshot over the bullpen in left field. The Gators plated four more runs thanks to the lack of control by Stetson pitchers. The Hatters walked five batters in the fourth, including two that scored runs directly.

    Rothrock (4-0) pitched a complete game allowing just two hits to a team that has scored 31 runs through their first five games. The sophomore pitcher struck out seven batters on the evening.

    The Gators will remain in Gainesville this weekend as the hosts of the Bubly Invitational. The Gators open the tournament against Boston College on Thursday and will play six games over the next four days.

  • MBB: Second Half Surge Leads Gators Past Mississippi State

    MBB: Second Half Surge Leads Gators Past Mississippi State

    Photo by James Gilbert • Getty Images

    Despite losing talented big man Alex Condon in the first minute of Tuesday night’s game, the No. 3 Florida Gators defeated No. 22 Mississippi State, 81-68 in Starkville before 9,401 fans.

    Junior guard Denzel Aberdeen led Florida with twenty points while Walter Clayton added 19. The front court duo of Thomas Haugh (16) and Rueben Chinyelu (10) combined for 26 more without Condon, who suffered a lower leg injury early and missed the remainder of the game. After the game, head coach Todd Golden stated, “good news on the X-Ray, it came back clean. At this time, we think it’s a low ankle sprain, which is obviously better than a high ankle sprain, or anything more serious.”

    Florida trailed by one entering halftime, but came out of the break on fire. The Gators went on a 17-0 run to put this one away early.

    Overall, the Gators shot 46% from the field and made 14 shots from beyond the 3-point arc.

    Condon’s absence was felt on the glass, however, as the Bulldogs outrebounded Florida 43-32.

    The Gators improved to 21-3 overall and 8-3 in SEC play. Florida will take on South Carolina Saturday night in Gainesville at 8:30 PM. The Gamecocks are 10-13 overall but 0-10 in conference play. Florida squeaked out a 70-69 win over USC when they played in Columbia in January.

  • SB: Fast Start Propels Gators to Run-Rule Win Over Jacksonville

    SB: Fast Start Propels Gators to Run-Rule Win Over Jacksonville

    Photo via FloridaGators.com

    The Florida Gators wasted little time in claiming their seventh win of the season. The Gators plated eight runs in the first inning before cruising to a 10-1 win over Jacksonville in front of 1,298 fans Tuesday night in Gainesville.

    The Dolphins had two runners reaching base in the top of the first thanks to a lead off hit by pitch and a two-out walk, but Florida starter Kara Hammock notched a strikeout to end the threat.

    The Gators (7-0), however, would not miss on their opportunity in the bottom half of the inning. Freshman Taylor Shumaker crushed a solo homer to right-center, her sixth of the season (already!), to make it 1-0. Four walks to the next six batters made it 3-0 when Rylee Holtorf hit a grand slam to left-center. Two batters later, Shumaker again connected on a ball down the line in left that scored Kendra Falby from second, easily.

    The 8-0 lead was all Florida needed though they did add a run in the second and third innings.

    Hammock (2-0) threw the first three innings, running into a little trouble in the second when she loaded the bases on a pair of walks and a single. JU got one back on an RBI single by Madis Bratek.

    Hammock struck out five and walked three before turning the ball over to sophomore Ava Brown. Brown recorded a pair of 1-2-3 innings to clinch the run-rule victory.

    Shumaker went 2-2 with the homer and two RBI. Falby, the team’s lead-off hitter, finished 2-3 with a pair of runs scored. Holtorf, who hit 11 home runs at Washington in 2024, hit her first home run as a Gator.

    Florida continues midweek action against Stetson at 6:00 PM on Wednesday. The Hatters are 5-0 heading into the matchup that will be streamed on SEC Network+.

  • LAX: Florida Dominates Kennesaw State in Home Opener, 18-5

    LAX: Florida Dominates Kennesaw State in Home Opener, 18-5

    Photo via Gainesville Sports Commission

    The Gators commanded the Owls 18-5 Sunday in Gainesville. Florida had ten different players score, led by Clark Hamilton and Gianna Monaco who combined for nine goals. 

    The Gators entered this game with momentum from a comeback win against No.11 Johns Hopkins, while Kennesaw State was looking to bounce back after a loss to South Florida. 

    The true freshman, Hamilton, began the scoring for the Gators. The attacker brings great energy to the field and is a serious offensive threat.

    “She [Clark] was special when we recruited her. She’s going beyond all of our expectations,” said Florida Head Coach Amanda O’Leary. “She brings such a level of explosiveness and she’s a sharpshooter. She is the whole package.”

    Florida quickly extended its lead to 3-0 in the first five minutes. The Gator’s fast pace made it difficult for the Owls to keep up.

    Florida committed six fouls in the opening quarter, slowing them down slightly, however, the Gators took the lead after the first, 5-0.

    In the second, Florida took control of the draw circle. This was an area of improvement from the last game and led to scoring opportunities.

    The Gators controlled six draws throughout the quarter and grabbed eight groundballs. 

    Florida’s ball control and defense held Kennesaw State shotless in the second quarter, while the Gators tallied 13 shots, with ten on goal.

    At the half, Florida was ahead 12-0.

    The third quarter began with a first-career goal from Florida’s Chiara Scichilone. All Gator freshmen showed no nerves in their first home outing, keeping the future bright for Florida lacrosse. 

    Kennesaw State found a spark after halftime, with back-to-back goals minutes apart in the third. 

    The Owls challenged Florida on defense in the second half. Kennesaw State’s keepers totaled 12 saves on the day. 

    Nevertheless, the Gators held on throughout the fourth quarter and prevailed 18-5. 

    “It’s always special at home. It’s nice to put on those white uniforms and step on the field for the first time,” said O’Leary. “I’m just really pleased with our effort tonight.”

    Last season, Florida had an 8-0 record at home and have started 2025 on the right foot. 

    The Gators will stay home to face No.4 North Carolina on Sunday, February 15. The Tarheels are 2-0 after a road win against Liberty. First draw is set for noon.

  • MBB: Gators Upset No. 1 Auburn, 90-81

    MBB: Gators Upset No. 1 Auburn, 90-81

    Florida becomes just the fifth team in NCAA history to beat two different No. 1 teams in a season

    Photo by Todd Kirkland • Getty Images

    The Florida Gators entered Saturday’s matchup with Auburn having never defeated the nation’s No. 1 team on the road. They exited Saturday’s contest as one of just five programs to beat two different No. 1 ranked teams in the same season. The Gators took down the Tigers 90-81 to move to 20-3 and 7-3 in SEC play.

    Auburn opened the game with a ten point lead, 15-5, but Florida responded quickly. Will Richard connected on a three-pointer with 8:38 remaining in the first half to give the Gators their first lead of the game. By the end of the period, Florida’s advantage swelled to ten points at 48-38.

    The Gators shot 57% in the opening half and made seven three pointers to help create the separation on the scoreboard.

    The Gators continued the hot shooting in the second half. Florida led by as many as twenty-one following an Urban Klavzar triple with 14:21 remaining in the game. Auburn did cut the deficit to single digits a few times over the final nine minutes, but never got closer than nine points behind.

    Walter Clayton led the Gators with 19 points. He added six rebounds to the ledger, as well. Alex Condon finished with a double-double at 17 points and 10 rebounds. Thomas Haugh added 16 points off the bench while Richard (12) and Denzel Aberdeen (10) also reached double digits in the scoring column.

    Florida will travel to Mississippi State Tuesday to face the Bulldogs. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 PM with the game set to air on ESPN2.  MSU is 17-6 overall and 5-5 in SEC play. The Bulldogs defeated Georgia 76-75 Saturday.

    Note: Florida guard Alijah Martin missed Saturday’s game with an injury.

  • LAX: Gators Top Johns Hopkins in Season Opening Thriller

    LAX: Gators Top Johns Hopkins in Season Opening Thriller

    Photo via Gainesville Sports Commission

    With just twenty-one seconds remaining in a tie game, Florida junior attacker Gianna Monaco stepped up for a free-position attempts. Upon hearing the whistle resuming play she moved in, deked her stick to the left before coming back to the right and sneaking the ball behind the Johns Hopkins goaltender for the win.

    The Gators open the season 1-0 thanks to a thrilling come from behind win that saw Florida trail 11-9 with six minutes in regulation.

    https://x.com/GatorsLAX/status/1888006828845674846?t=Ih1Sk58e94uVnYvHxS11yA&s=19

    The Gators actually got off to a quick start as Ava Tighe crashed the net from the left and found nylon. Florida took a 2-0 lead just 95-seconds later when Kaitlyn Davies struck.

    Following a goal from the Blue Jays, Davies would strike again from the left wing position to put the Gators ahead 3-1.

    Sixteen seconds into the second period, JHU scored to cut the Florida lead to just one. Once again, the Gators rebounded to reclaim the two goal advantage. This time, Jenny Markey scored off a feed from Jordan Basso.

    Momentum began to shift and suddenly the Blue Jays were on a 4-0 run to take a 6-4 lead. By halftime, however, Florida evened the score on Davies’ third and Markey’s second.

    The two teams traded goals throughout the third quarter before JHU went on a three-goal run early in the fourth to make it 10-8 in favor of the home team. Basso scored twice in a three-minute span to make it an 11-10 contest with less than four minutes remaining. Forty seconds later, freshman Clark Hamilton recorded her first career goal to tie the game and set up the theatrical conclusion.

    The Blue Jays dominated the draw circle, 15-7 which led to a massive disparity in shots. JHU attempted 37 shots to 19 by Florida.

    UF goalkeeper Georgia Hoey made ten saves in collecting the victory.

    The Gators will face Kennesaw State in their home opener Sunday morning. First draw is scheduled for 11:00 AM. The Owls are 0-1 after falling to South Florida, 19-6.