Author’s Note:  If you need an early season lacrosse fix this one is for you! Of course, if Valentine’s Day plans intercede we’ll understand but there is DVR as an option . . . 

via UF press release

Game Notes

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The sixth-ranked Florida Gators continue their slate of challenging non-conference play as the team welcomes No. 2 Maryland to Donald R. Dizney Stadium on Thursday.

Opening draw is set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network +, with Bernie Guenther and Cara Cannington on the call.

No. 6 Florida vs. No. 2 Maryland Live Stream

The Gators are coming off an impressive 16-9 road win over No. 17 Colorado, while the Terrapins earned their first win at home, defeating George Mason 16-5.

This is the fifth meeting between these two teams, with Maryland holding the 4-0 series advantage. Last season’s matchup was decided by just two goals, with the Terps winning 16-14.

The second-ranked Terrapins are the second of eight IWLCA Top-25 opponents this season. Florida will host No. 15 Syracuse, No. 2 North Carolina, and No. 8 Princeton; and will travel to No. 9 Loyola, No. 13 Navy and No. 5 Stony Brook.

O’Leary’s Insight 

On what they’ve been telling the team this week
“We just want them to have composure. We have played this team numerous times, so the big thing for them is recognizing where our strengths lie and playing to our strengths. We need not to focus on Maryland and focus on ourselves at this point.”

Exclusive Company 

Since 2011, Florida has the second-most wins (139) of any DI women’s lacrosse team.

Institution                 W-L          Win %
Maryland                  172-12     .935
FLORIDA                 139-28     .832
North Carolina         136-32     .810
Navy                        130-35     .788
Syracuse                  128-50     .719

Scouting the Terps

Maryland is coming off a 16-5 win over George Mason and returns two leading scorers in Jen Giles and Caroline Steele. Senior goalkeeper Megan Taylor anchors the defense from the cage, having recorded 523 saves in her first three seasons.

No. 6 Florida vs. No. 2 Maryland Broadcast Information
Time & Date: Thursday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m.
Live Stream: SEC Network +
Live Stats: Sidearm

Series Information – No. 6 Florida vs. No. 2 Maryland
Terrapins | 2019 season: 1-0 overall, 0-0 ACC

• This is the fifth meeting between the two teams
• Maryland leads 4-0
• Home: 0-2 | Away: 0-2 | Neutral: 0-0
• Last Time Out: Feb. 17, 2018 | Gainesville, Fla. | L, 14-16

Quick Facts

• In last season’s matchup, Sydney Pirreca recorded a career-best six goals and also notched two assists
• Shannon Kavanagh is on a 10-game streak of recording at least one assist, tied for the second-longest streak in UF history
• Haley Hicklen currently holds a 27-game streak of at least one save, the fifth-longest in program history
• Lindsey Ronbeck sits at 158 goals in her career, trying to become just the third person in program history to reach 200 goals
• Florida is 88-14 (.863) in the confines of Donald R. Dizney Stadium
• The Gators boast a 33-4 (.892) record all-time in night games (starting after 6 p.m.)

Fan Information 

Admission is free to all regular season Florida lacrosse home games. Florida Leather Snapback Giveaway: The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a gray snapback with a leather “F”!