In the biggest game of its season so far, the No. 5 Florida Gators failed to deliver on their greatest strength: offense.
Florida’s 12-game win streak came to an end Saturday evening as the Gators were upset in the Big 12 championship game by No. 15 Colorado, 8-6 — their lowest-scoring performance of the season.
In the second matchup this year between the No. 3 offense and No. 1 defense, defense won out. The loss marked Florida’s first-ever defeat against Colorado and its fourth all-time in conference tournament play.
“That’s the worst feeling in the world,” coach Amanda O’Leary said after the loss. “To watch someone else celebrate on your home field.”
The game experienced multiple delays and time changes due to weather, officially starting at 2:45 p.m., more than three hours after the scheduled 11:30 a.m. start. Once play began, it was a physical, stop-and-start contest.
Nine cards were issued between the two teams, and officiating became a talking point among fans. But for O’Leary, that wasn’t the deciding factor.
“We credit Colorado,” she said. “They came out. They were the better team today. No doubt.”
Colorado, the nation’s top defense, lived up to that reputation. Its high-pressure zone disrupted Florida’s rhythm and forced mistakes, leading to eight of the Gators’ 10 first-half turnovers. Florida finished with 17 turnovers, matching its season high.
The Buffaloes also adjusted to a wrinkle Florida used in the first meeting back in April. The Gators again started Gabby Koury down low with the attackers, a move that previously sparked an offensive surge. This time, Colorado neutralized it. Koury committed four first-half turnovers and was eventually moved back upfield.
Outside of Koury, Florida struggled to generate clean looks. Colorado outshot the Gators in every quarter, including a third period where Florida managed just one shot on goal compared to five from the Buffaloes.
Florida’s offense produced only one goal in the third, and Colorado carried a 7-4 lead into the final quarter. The Gators attempted to rally, putting up 12 shots in the fourth, but couldn’t overcome the deficit. O’Leary pointed to finishing — not volume — as the issue.
“You can’t have 27 shots and six goals,” she said. “You’re not going to win many lacrosse games, if any, with that stat.”
Whenever Florida showed signs of momentum, Colorado midfielder Maddie Shoup shut it down. All four of her goals either halted a Gators run or extended the lead, including back-to-back scores in the third that proved decisive.
“They were backbreakers at that point,” O’Leary said.
Defensively, Florida adjusted by playing with less ball pressure than Colorado’s aggressive zone. While more conservative, the approach still produced results — led by three Gators who earned All-Tournament Team honors: Theresa Bragg, Sam Hughes and goalkeeper Susan Radebaugh. Midfielder Kaitlyn Davies also earned recognition.
Though defensive impact doesn’t always show in the box score, Florida’s presence was clear. The Gators limited Colorado, which averages 11.5 goals per game, to just eight. Radebaugh posted a 50% save rate, finishing with eight saves.
“Our defense from the Cal Davis game to this game was our anchor,” O’Leary said. “To hold this team to eight goals with that kind of offense, that’s a pretty impressive day for them.”
Florida’s season isn’t over. The NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Selection Show is set for Sunday at 9 p.m., and O’Leary is confident the Gators will be in the field — likely opening on the road, where they are 6-1 this season.
O’Leary said facing the nation’s top defense should serve as valuable preparation heading into the NCAA Tournament. Even after the loss, her focus is already forward.
“My bags will be packed,” O’Leary said. “I will be ready. They will be ready too.”
