Florida Lacrosse Pulls Away From USF for 14-8 Win

What started as a tight battle turned into a win for No. 6 Florida on Wednesday evening when Gators lacrosse used a second-quarter surge to separate from South Florida and win 14-8.

USF (8-4) came to Dizney Stadium hot, winning four of its last five games and fresh off a double overtime victory, and looked every bit the part early. After Clark Hamilton opened the scoring early in the first quarter, the Bulls answered with back-to-back goals to grab a 2-1 lead. Their aggressive, physical defense immediately made an impact, forcing Florida into uncomfortable possessions and turnovers.

But Florida (10-2) later settled in. Goals from Caroline Hoskins and Boo DeWitt helped the Gators close the first quarter on top, and that momentum carried into a dominant second quarter.

The turning point came in the second quarter when Florida really found its offensive rhythm. Hamilton took over, scoring twice in just more than a minute to complete a hat trick, while Gabbi Koury and Frannie Hahn added their own goals. 

The ball movement improved dramatically, and the Gators turned a tight game into a multi-goal cushion heading into halftime.

“I think we were sharing the ball more,” UF coach Amanda O’Leary said. “We’re better when we, like, flow into our offense, and it’s just not a one-and-done.”

Even with the lead, the game was far from over. USF continued to add pressure in the second half by capitalizing on Florida’s struggles in the clear and forcing mistakes with aggression.

“We can’t turn the ball over when we finally get it over the 30,” O’Leary said. “[USF] is known for that and they executed it really well.”

Still Florida responded each time the Bulls threatened to swing momentum. Hoskins added another goal and Hamilton scored her fifth of the game and her 100th career goal. DeWitt capped the scoring for Florida, while USF snuck in a late goal in the last few seconds.

Frannie Hahn was the engine behind much of Florida’s offense, dishing out five assists in what O’Leary says was her quarterbacking the offense.

Defensively, the Gators leaned on goalkeeper Susan RadeBaugh, who finished with 12 saves and continued her strong stretch in the net. 

“Susan’s playing lights out,” O’Leary said. “She’s come up with some big saves for us. Really proud of her.”

Florida also controlled a key area of the game, winning the draw battle 13-for-23 against a strong South Florida unit. 

While the final score suggests a comfortable win, the tone afterward was focused, not celebratory. O’Leary emphasized the need to clean up repeated mistakes, particularly against physical defenses, as conference play ramps up.

The Gators will travel to San Diego next to take on conference play against San Diego State at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Lacrosse, Lacrosse