Florida Lacrosse’s Season Ends in NCAA Tournament Opener

Florida’s high-powered offense ran out of answers Friday night.

After dominating the opening quarter, Florida collapsed in the second half of a 16-8 loss to Denver in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Boulder, Colorado.

The Gators entered Friday averaging 15.67 goals per game, the fourth-highest mark in the nation. But against a Denver squad ranked fourth nationally in scoring margin (+7.56), Florida’s offense seemed to almost disappear after the opening quarter.

Florida looked in control early.

After Denver opened scoring on a free-position goal, the Gators rattled off four unanswered goals in the first quarter. Florida’s quick passing repeatedly forced Denver’s zone defense to scramble as the Gators controlled possession and carried a 4-1 lead into the second quarter.

But momentum shifted quickly.

Denver erased the deficit with three second-quarter goals before Clark Hamilton briefly restored Florida’s power to take a 5-4 lead. The quarter turned chaotic from there, with multiple yellow cards disrupting the flow on both sides and goals waved off for each team.

A crucial save from goalkeeper Susan Radebaugh kept the game tied late in the half, but Denver struck with two seconds remaining before halftime to take a 6-5 lead.

At halftime, Florida coach Amanda O’Leary pointed to the Gators’ missed opportunities offensively.

“We’re making some really good decisions offensively,” O’Leary told ESPN. “We just have to shoot better. We’re getting multiple opportunities, we just need to shoot better.”

The warning signs only grew after halftime.

Denver opened the third quarter with three straight goals in less than three minutes, part of an unanswered six-goal run spanning the second and third quarters that completely flipped the game. 

Florida never recovered.

Gabbi Koury and Frannie Hahn each scored in the third quarter, but the Gators struggled to generate consistent offense as Denver continued to capitalize on its chances.

Radebaugh exited after allowing nine goals with five saves before Florida turned to Maya Soskin and later Paige Crowther in net. The goalkeeper changes did little to slow Denver’s attack.

Meanwhile, Denver’s goalkeeper Lexi Gwakhu continued her postseason dominance, recording her third consecutive double-digit save performance.

Denver closed the game on a five-goal scoring run and finished with 22 shots on goal compared to Florida’s 18.

What began as a dominant opening quarter for the Gators quickly unraveled, as Denver advanced to the second round to play Colorado.

Category: Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Lacrosse, Lacrosse, NCAA Tournament