UF Lacrosse: Gators Cruise Past Monarchs in AAC Matchup
Courtesy of University Athletic Association
BY KATIE CALLAHAN
Florida clinches the AAC regular season championship outright after topping Old Dominion 17-6
The No. 9 Florida lacrosse team clinched the American Athletic Conference regular season title outright after defeating Old Dominion 17-6 on Friday afternoon at L.R. Hill Sports Complex.
Florida improves to 12-2 on the year and 9-0 in league play, while Old Dominion drops to 3-13 and 1-8 in the AAC.
The Gators had nine goal scorers in the game, led by five from Brianna Harris. Shannon Kavanagh followed with four goals of her own, while Ashley Gonzalez netted two on the afternoon.
Danielle Pavinelli, Kassidy Bresnahan, Grace Haus, Maggi Hall, Paisley Eagan, and Shelton Sawers each found the back of the cage once for Florida.
Harris and Hall both dished out two assists apiece to lead the way for the Gators, while Gonzalez and Emerson Cabrera each registered a helper in the victory.
Florida won 14-of-24 draws in the game, with Eagan and Emily Heller leading the way with four draw controls apiece. Kavanagh added three, while three other Gators each registered one in the game.
Florida’s defense – which ranks fourth in the nation – showed why on Friday, holding the Monarchs to just six goals, three of which came in the final six minutes of the game. The Gators held Old Dominion to 6-of-19 shooting on the night for a .316 clip.
As a team, UF notched 12 caused turnovers, led by three from Kaitlyn Dabkowski. That mark tied her career-best, which she has hit twice before. Kavanagh added two caused turnovers of her own, while seven Gators each registered one apiece.
Dabkowski and Kavanagh each tallied a team-high four groundballs – a career-high for Dabkowski and a season-best for Kavanagh. Haus added three groundballs, while Cara Trombetta and Eagan each added two of their own.
Sarah Reznick was stellar in the cage, recording nine saves, while only allowing three goals for a .750 save percentage.
The Gators close out the series with the Monarchs on Sunday, which serves as the final conference game for both teams. Opening draw is set for 10 a.m. at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.