Florida Lacrosse Rolls Past UC Davis to Big 12 Championship

The top-seeded Gators routed No. 4 seed UC Davis, 22-7, in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals Thursday at Dizney Stadium. 

Florida (15-2) used a dominant start and contributions from across the roster to punch its ticket to the conference championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday.

“I would say it was successful,” UF coach Amanda O’Leary said. “We executed on all ends of the field. We executed in the draw circle, we executed on the defensive end and we executed on the offensive end.”

That execution showed immediately. 

Florida led 9-3 at the end of the first quarter, fueled by an offensive rhythm and relentless pace. Freshman Autumn Blair got the scoring started with her first postseason goal, while Ava Kristynik and Boo DeWitt each added two in the frame. Gabbi Koury and Clark Hamilton also found the back of the net, helping the Gators build what was their strongest opening stretch of the season.

The second quarter only widened the gap.

Florida held UC Davis (7-9) scoreless and extended its lead to 13-3 at halftime, with Blair completing a hat trick and Frannie Hahn and Koury continuing to orchestrate a fluid, balanced attack. The Gators’ ability to adjust, especially after just beating the Aggies five days ago, proved to be a difference-maker.

“I think just executing what we talked about,” senior defender Theresa Bragg said. “Using what we learned to our advantage and then kind of just putting it all together.”

With the game  in hand, Florida showcased its depth in the second-half, particularly from its freshmen class. Kennedy Richardson and Caroline Hoskins each scored their first postseason goals, with Hoskins finishing off a hat trick in the third.

“I thought [the freshmen] played really well,” O’Leary said. “They’ve certainly made their mark here at Florida thus far.”

The Gators stayed locked in defensively, limiting UC Davis’ opportunities through disciplined one-on-one play and strong communication.

Florida’s depth continued to shine in the fourth quarter, with goals from Carly Wilson, Sophia Cardella, Blythe Noyes and Molly Doran capping the scoring. 

In goal, Susan Radebaugh led the way early with five saves and a key stop on a free-position attempt that quickly turned into a Florida goal in transition. Maya Soskin and Paige Crowther combined to close out the win. 

By the final whistle, Florida had not only delivered a dominant performance but reinforced the preparation behind it.

“You don’t win by chance,” O’Leary said. “You win because you’re prepared and this group, they prepare to the best of their ability.”

Now the Gators turn their attention to Saturday, when they will play the winner of Thursday night’s other semifinal between No. 2 seed Colorado (12-3) and No. 3 seed Arizona State (8-9) in the tournament championship game on ESPNU.

“They have a mission,” O’Leary said. “They have a goal, and their goal is to win this thing.”

Category: Big 12, Feature Sports News, Gators Lacrosse