UF: Gators Unable to Get Offense Going Against Tigers, Fall 14-11
Written by Lee Roggenburg on . Posted in College, Featured Posts, Florida Gators Women, Florida Lacrosse News.
via UF press release
Author’s Note: What a great picture! A terrific facility to watch a game from! Would love to see a possible ‘Jamboree’ there! How about it Mandy? A high school game before and a high school game after?Box Score GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A quick 3-0 lead to open Wednesday night’s tilt was not enough to sustain the University of Florida lacrosse team (6-3, 1-0), as the Gators suffered a 14-11 defeat at the hands of the No. 14 Towson Tigers (6-2). Towson utilized a 13-2 run beginning at the 15:02 mark in the first half, which lasted over 33 minutes of game time, to take control of the Top-15 affair. The 13-5 deficit faced by Florida with 12:11 left in the second half tied its largest of the season. The Gators were sparked by a Sydney Pirreca free position goal with 11:29 remaining in the game, and closed the game on a 6-1 run before running out of time just three goals behind the Tigers. Florida’s offense was stymied by a strong performance from Towson’s goalkeeper, Kiley Keating (11 saves, .500), while the Tiger defenders forced UF into a season-high 21 turnovers. The Gators were able to win the battle in the draw circle for the second game in a row, taking a 14-13 edge with Sabrina Cristodero claiming a game-high seven draw controls. Shayna Pirreca (three goals, two assists) led Florida’s scoring attack, as the senior logged her fifth straight game with at least five points. Grace Haus and Madisyn Kittell each chipped in with two goals, while added three points on a goal and two helpers. Defender Cara Trombetta continued her stretch of impressive play, leading Florida’s back end with four caused turnovers and a ground ball. The sophomore marked Towson’s Natalie Sulmonte, limiting her to just one goal on three shot attempts, and forcing the attacker in to three turnovers. Goalkeeper Haley Hicklen saved eight goals while facing 28 Towson shots, including 12 free positions, in the losing effort. Records: No. 6 Florida: 6-3 (1-0) No. 14 Towson: 6-2 (0-0) Notable:
- #PirrecaPower: Pirreca sisters Shayna and Sydney have combined to score 37% (50/136) of UF’s goals in 2018.
- has scored a goal in 29 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in UF history. The senior is three games shy of passing Mollie Stevens (31) for the most all-time.
- Head Coach Amanda O’Leary is looking 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 299-100 in 23 seasons as a head coach.
