Florida Lacrosse blows by Stetson 22-1

In their final tuneup before the start of American Lacrosse Conference play on Saturday, the No. 2 Florida Gators (12-0) thrashed the Stetson Hatters (0-8) 22-1 on Tuesday night. Sophomore midfielder Nora Barry scored three quick goals, her first a mere 11 seconds into the game to give the Gators a cushion they’d never relinquish.

The 22 goals scored and one goal allowed were both season-bests for Florida.

The Gators had the benefit of playing their subs for the majority of the game, pulling goalie Mikey Meagher five minutes into the game and the rest of the starters three minutes later. It would make no difference, as the Gators piled on the goals and clamped down defensively to end the first half with a 14-1 lead. Gator coach Amanda O’Leary said that it was nice to see her starters essentially get a night off.

Florida added eight goals after the break and alternated their offensive sets with clock killing passes around the horn. All told, the Gators took 38 shots to the Hatters’ one.

The postgame celebration was a bit more excitable than normal, as senior defender Emily Dohony’s boyfriend came on the field and proposed to her to the applause of the team and the fans who stuck around. While it was an emotional moment for her and her family, she was happy to share it with her teammates.

The team joined up with the National Foundation for Cancer Research to participate in the annual ‘Beat Cancer with a Stick’ day on Tuesday, with all attendees receiving a cancer ribbon to sport.

Florida opens ALC play on Saturday in Dizney Stadium, with opening draw set for 1 p.m.