via UF team write up – photo via the team too!   COLLEGE STATION, Tex. – On its second major road trip this month, the University of Florida men’s lacrosse team picked up two more wins to remain unbeaten thus far in 2017 (6-0). The Gators took down Texas A&M on the Aggies’ home turf Friday night and followed that up with a win against Houston less than 24 hours later. In Friday’s tilt, Florida jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first quarter and, after the first half of play, found themselves leading 7-4. The Aggies responded with two quick goals to start the 3^rd quarter, trimming the deficit to just a goal. The Gators weathered A&M’s rally and proceeded to go on a 7-2 run to close out the game, winning by a final score of 14-8. Senior FOGO and team captain, Aaron Silcott, continued his dominance at the face off ‘X’ winning 84% of his attempts against the Aggies. With the added possessions provided by Silcott, the Gator offense was able to outpace A&M in the second half behind the efforts of freshman attackman Sam Khalil (4g, 3a). Khalil put up four of his seven points in the 3^rd quarter, scoring two goals on great individual efforts and assisting on two more, including one to defensive midfielder and junior captain, Drew Hadley, for his first goal of the season. Hadley was excellent in transition and on ground balls, scooping up nine for the Gators on their way to victory. Florida got off to a sluggish start the following afternoon and found themselves neck-in-neck with Houston after one quarter of play. Eventually, the Gator offense woke up, producing seven goals in the 2^nd quarter to take a 9-2 lead into the break. The Gators added eleven more in the second half en route to a 20-4 victory over the Cougars. Sam Khalil (5g, 4a), Hank Champagne (3g, 6a), and Zach Salazar (5g), who comprise Florida’s potent attack, were able to do a majority of the damage in Saturday’s game. Sophomore midfielder, Nick Rizzo, provided a hat trick of his own and freshman midfielder, Daniel Bryan, netted the first two goals of his career. In all, twelve players provided at least one point for the orange and blue in the contest. Florida now heads into the back half of their schedule, which includes three ever-important SELC South East regional games with postseason implications. A neutral-site game against traditional SEC rival Georgia also looms large. The Gators will resume play on Wednesday, March 22^nd against Buffalo in Gainesville.