via UF press release   Box Score  GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida lacrosse team came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders on Saturday, scoring a season-high 21 goals en route to a 21-8 victory over the UConn Huskies. UConn struck first on a Sydney Watson goal less than 90 seconds into the contest, but an 11-1 run by the Gators over the next 13:56 of the first half quickly put the game out of reach. Florida would enter halftime with a commanding 15-4 lead, led by Lindsey Ronbeck‘s five first-half goals. Sophomore defender Cara Trombetta limited the Huskies’ Grace Nolan to zero points, zero shots, and three turnovers in the first half. Nolan entered Saturday’s game ranked second in the NCAA in points (59), and sixth in goals scored (36). The Gators opened the second half on a quick 3-0 run, taking an 18-4 lead with 25:44 left in the contest. Florida’s 14-point lead was its largest of the season to date. A Caroline Benitez goal with 1:18 remaining in the game gave UF its 21st score of the afternoon, marking the 21st time the Gators have scored at least 21 goals in the nine-year history of the program. Game Highlights Junior attacker Lindsey Ronbeck finished the afternoon with a career-high 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists), becoming just the second Gator all-time to score at least 10 points in a game. Ronbeck’s 10 points tied for the second most in a game in Florida history, and were the most in a game since Ashley Bruns recorded 11 points against Siena in 2012. The Manhasset, N.Y. native was playing in her first game since exiting Florida’s win over Navy on March 13th early with an injury. Freshman midfielder Shannon Kavanagh turned in her second consecutive six-point outing, off two goals and a career-high four assists. Senior attacker Shayna Pirreca added five points (4 goals, 1 assist), while Grace Haus and Sydney Pirreca each notched a hat trick. Florida’s defense allowed UConn to shoot just 8/24 (.333) from the field for the entire game, and forced the Huskies into 20 turnovers. Emily Petillo, Sydney Pirrecaand Cara Trombetta all chipped in with two caused turnovers apiece. All three of Florida’s goalkeepers saw action against UConn, with Haley Hicklen logging 42:12 minutes in the cage to earn her eighth victory of the season. Hicklen has 116 saves through 11 games in 2018. Senior Olivia Cole (3 saves) and sophomore Kenzii Kittell (1 save) split time in goal for a majority of the second half. Pirreca Approaches 200 Career Points Shayna Pirreca sits just 21 points shy of becoming the sixth Gator to score at least 200 career points. The senior has scored at least five points in six games this season. Pirreca currently ranks seventh all-time at Florida in points (179) and goals (130). Records:  No. 8 Florida: 8-3 (3-0) UConn: 5-6 (1-2) Notable:

• The Gators have won 25 consecutive games against BIG EAST opponents dating back to the 2015 season.
• #PirrecaPower: Pirreca sisters Shayna and Sydney have combined to score 35% (61/173) of UF’s goals in 2018.
• Shayna Pirreca has now scored a goal in 31 consecutive games, tying Mollie Stevens for the longest such streak in Florida history.
• All 27 Gators who were available to play on Saturday saw game action against the Huskies.
• Florida owns an 82-14 (.854) record all-time at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

  O’Leary’s Insight: “We challenged this team in the locker room to play a complete 60-minute game, and they responded to it. They did exactly what they needed to do out on the field today. We executed offensively and defensively, and were able to keep the momentum in our favor for the whole game. I’m extremely pleased with the entire team’s effort from start to finish.” Amanda O’Leary Postgame Interview Up Next The Gators host a BIG EAST midweek tilt on Wednesday, as the Temple Owls (7-3, 2-0) will visit Gainesville for a noon start. Follow the Gators #FLax Twitter Instagram Facebook