via UF press release/website, by Corey Lichtman

Seven different Gators found the back of the net including hat-tricks from Madison Waters and Paisley Eagan

BOX SCORE

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Emily Heller scored the game-winning goal in overtime, to conclude a comeback win over the fifth-ranked Maryland Terrapins by a score of 13-12. UF gets its first win of the season improving to 1-2, as Maryland falls to 3-1.

Florida erased a five-goal halftime deficit, outscoring Maryland 11-5 in the second half and overtime. This was the Gators’ first road win over a top-10 team since they defeated the Terrapins back in 2020. Maryland’s Eloise Clevenger poured in seven points in the loss.

The Gators had seven different players hit the back of the cage, including Paisley Eagan who had four on 100-percent shooting, and Madison Waters who scored three. Both players scored all their goals in the second half. Gianna Monaco scored twice, along with Josie Hahn, Maggi Hall, Danielle Pavinelli and Heller scoring one a piece. Florida had a season-high five assists in the win, with Monaco assisting on two, with Hall, Ashley Gonzalez, and Sarah Falk each facilitating one.

Georgia Hoey earned her first career win in the thrilling victory. The UConn transfer came in for Elyse Finnelle with 10:52 remaining in the second quarter recording seven saves, forcing the Terrapins to go one for five on free position shots. Hoey came up with two crucial stops in the final two minutes, allowing the Gators to tie it up with with 20.9 seconds left.

Liz Harrison dominated at the center of the field today, winning 10 draw controls and not losing a single one in the second half.

Coach O’Leary’s Insight
“This was a total team win. Everybody executed their roles to perfection, from sideline to draw unit. I am so happy for this team because we are starting to see some success after all of our hard work.”

How It Happened

• Following a caused turnover by Theresa Bragg, Ava Tighe drove to the net drawing a foul. With the player up advantage, Monaco found Hahn for the goal to put the Gators up 1-0.
• 31 seconds later Hailey Russo answered with a goal evening the score at one.
• At the 10:32 mark, a smooth dodge and score from Hall was waved off for a stick pocket violation.
• A minute and 44 seconds after, Monaco had a beautiful backhand goal to the back of the net to put Florida back in front.
• The Terrapins scored four unanswered goals to end the quarter, including one with 3.3 seconds left to give them a 5-2 lead after the first.

Second Quarter

•  Hall had another goal taken away, this time for a crease violation.
• With 11:19 left, Maryland scored two goals in a 27 second span to go up 7-2. Hoey came into replace Finnelle.
• Neither team scored the final 10:52 of the quarter, as Maryland led 7-2 going into half.

Third Quarter

• Waters kicked off an action packed third quarter, finding the back of the net two minutes and 12 seconds in to cut the deficit to 7-3.
• 38 seconds later, a free position goal from Maryland pushed the lead back to five.
•  Eagan tacked on two goals over the next four minutes, one assisted from Falk and the other off an eight-meter shot to bring the Gators back within three.
• With 6:20 remaining, Waters turned to her left for the southpaw rip and score to push Florida within two goals.
• After a Terrapins goal with three seconds left on the shot clock, Pavinelli found the back of the cage off an assist from Monaco to make it 9-7.
• Shortly after a Maryland goal, The Gators scored two goals in the final 34 seconds of the quarter, one from Monaco off a pass from Gonzalez and the other from Waters with 8.3 left to make it a one goal game. It was Waters ninth career hat-trick and her third as a Gator.

Fourth Quarter

• The Terrapins opened up scoring in the fourth, but Eagan and the Gators answered right back. She converted on a scoring opportunity, earning her fifth career hat-trick to make it a one goal game again.
• With 8:41 left, Florida tied the game as Hall got on the board. The teams leading scorer dodged her way near the crease before finishing off the goal to make it 11-11.
• Maryland responded with 6:55 left, as Libby May put her team back in front.
• The next four minutes were hectic, eventually leading to a Heller free-position shot. The captain bounced one over the net. The Gators still held possession, but eventually turned it over with the shot clock expiring.
• After a successful clear attempt, the Terrapins held possession of the ball with 2:25 left. With the game on the line, Hoey came up with two massive saves to keep it a 12-11 game. Florida gained possession with 44.9 seconds left and called timeout.
• After the timeout, the Gators executed the call to perfection, with Hall finding an open Eagan close to the net for the equalizer with 20.9 second left.
• After the goal, the Gators won the draw and gained possession with 14.9 left. Hall nearly called game, dodging around the cage and unleashed a rip off the crossbar. The game headed into overtime.

Overtime

• In overtime, Harrison won the opening draw, giving the Gators possession. Florida wasted no time, as Heller officially called game, dodging to her right before the rip into the top right corner. Heller’s sixth goal of the season capped off a remarkable comeback in College Park.

Key Notes

•  Hoey earned her first win in her career, along with a career high seven saves
•  Hahn scored her first goal of the season
•  Monaco recorded her first career multi goal game
•  Eagan tied a career high in goals
•  Gonzalez had her first assist of the season, and Falk had her first as a Gator
• Pavinelli tied Grace Haus for ninth all-time in goals with 153
• Florida set a season high in goals (12), draw controls (15), shots (35), ground balls (12) and assists (5)
• The Gators earn their first win over a top-10 opponent since Feb. 15, 2020 against Maryland
• Florida moves to 4-7 all-time in overtime games

Active Streaks

• Maggi Hall: points (22), goals (11)
• Sarah Falk: points (18)
• Madison Waters: points (11)
• Emily Heller: points (10)

Next Up
Florida is back in action on Wednesday for their regular season home opener against Jacksonville at 4 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

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