UF: #5 Gators Host #17 Colorado to Open 2018 Season
Written by Lee Roggenburg on . Posted in College, Featured Posts, Florida Gators Women, Florida Lacrosse News.
via UF press release
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The preseason No. 5 Florida lacrosse team begins a daunting non-conference schedule on Sunday, as No. 17 Colorado (1-0) will be in Gainesville to open the 2018 season.
The opening draw is set for 12 p.m. from Donald R. Dizney Stadium. A live stream of the game will be available via SEC Network+, with Daniel Gillman and former Florida lacrosse alumnus Cara Canington on the call.
No. 5 Florida vs. No. 17 Colorado Live Stream
In addition, Sunday’s contest will feature the first-ever meeting between the Gators and Buffaloes. Colorado is entering its fifth season as a Division I program.
The 17th-ranked Buffaloes are the first of seven IWLCA top-25 opponents for the Gators this season. UF will also play host to No. 1 Maryland, No. 25 Loyola, No. 10 Navy and No. 19 Towson; and travel to No. 3 North Carolina and No. 5 Syracuse before opening BIG EAST play.
Colorado enters Sunday’s game after defeating Michigan, 20-10, on Friday night in Jacksonville, Fla.
Head Coach Amanda O’Leary:
“We’re really excited to get started against a terrific Colorado team. Our players are focused – We have great leadership from our captains, they have kept us locked in and ready to go during the preseason. I feel like we have a group that is poised for greatness.
Colorado is an explosive offensive unit, and they complement that with some great defenders as well. To start a season against such a talented opponent will be a great test for our team. We try to schedule the best teams we can to prepare for the journey later in the season. We want to play in these games.”
Honoring Julia Sarcona
Early in 2018, Colorado was faced with the sudden death of senior attacker Julia Sarcona. Allie Pavinelli, who grew up with Sarcona, organized a way for the Gators to honor Sarcona leading into Sunday’s game.
Dominant Defense
Anchored by senior Aniya Flanagan, UF is one of just three schools to finish in the top-12 nationally in scoring defense over the past three seasons. The Gators have not allowed more than 9.0 goals per game since their inaugural 2010 season.
All-Americans Aplenty
Nine ILWomen Preseason All-Americans will take the field at Donald R. Dizney Stadium on Sunday. Aniya Flanagan, Haley Hicklen, Shayna Pirreca, Sydney Pirreca, Lindsey Ronbeck and Cara Trombetta will represent Florida, while Sarah Brown, Darby Kiernan, and Miranda Stinson will suit up for Colorado.
No. 5 Florida vs. No. 17 Colorado Broadcast Information
Time: 12 p.m.
Live Stream: SEC Network+
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
Pregame Notes
Quick Facts
- Head Coach Amanda O’Leary will look to become just the fifth coach in the history of Division I women’s lacrosse to win 300 games in her career. O’Leary is currently 293-97 in 22 seasons as a head coach.
- Shayna Pirreca (95) and Lindsey Ronbeck (89) both enter the 2018 season looking to score their 100th career goal.
- Florida owns a 77-12 (.865) record all-time at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
- #PirrecaPower: Pirreca sisters Shayna and Sydney combined to score 25% (85/336) of UF’s goals in 2017.
- The Gators boast the BIG EAST Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year in Lindsey Ronbeck and Haley Hicklen.
