via UF press release – photo via UF web site   GAINESVILLE, Fla. – With Florida lacrosse’s ninth season on the horizon, the 2018 schedule has been released. Some game times will be finalized at a later date. The Gators have 17 regular season games scheduled, including 10 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Florida has gone 75-15 (.833) at “The Diz” in the eight-year history of the program. UF kicks off its ninth season with a home matchup against upstart Colorado on February 11. Now entering their fifth season, the Buffs finished 16-4 in 2017 and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance. Two 2017 Final Four teams will also make the trip down to Gainesville, as the Gators will welcome Maryland on February 17, and Navy on March 13. The Gators face two marquee opponents on the road before tackling their conference slate. Florida travels to Chapel Hill, N.C. to face North Carolina on March 3, and will then travel farther north for a March 7 tilt at Syracuse.   After posting a perfect 9-0 mark in the BIG EAST in 2017, the Gators will host four BIG EAST conference games in 2018: UConn (March 31), Temple (April 4), Marquette (April 14), and Butler (April 28). Florida travels to challenge the Pioneers of Denver in a BIG EAST championship rematch on April 21, marking UF’s first visit to Denver. For the first time in program history, Florida will host its conference tournament, as the top-four teams in the BIG EAST will travel to Gainesville for semifinal play on May 3. The BIG EAST championship is set for Saturday, May 5. Florida is coming off of another remarkable season under head coach Amanda O’Leary, finishing 17-3 and winning the BIG EAST championship for a third consecutive year. A printable version of the schedule can be found here. Follow the Gators: #FLax Twitter Instagram Facebook