Florida forward Lena Bailey runs toward the ball during a match against Georgia State at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville on Sunday. (Libby Clifton/WRUF)

Lena Bailey Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week

With a defender in the way and 93 seconds to go in a scoreless contest, Lena Bailey turned one point into three points for Florida soccer (6-4-3, 2-2-2 SEC).

The senior forward’s far-post finish from outside the box gave the Gators a 1-0 upset win over No. 5 Alabama 1-0 Thursday night, earning her SEC Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors on Monday.

She called the goal a team effort, and said the celebration reflected that.

“Every single one of us was crying,” Bailey said. “It was a team goal, not just me.”

Bailey joins Kyra Taylor and Jayden Emmanuel as SEC honorees this season. Taylor and Emmanuel were named SEC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week following Florida’s 3-1 win over defending NCAA champion Florida State on Aug. 23.

Bailey’s goal also makes Florida the only team in the nation with two wins against top-five opponents this season.

Netting her third goal this season, Bailey is third among the Gators in points (9), her career high. She shares third in Florida’s leaderboard for assists (3) and sits third in goals behind Taylor (7) and senior Zoe Main (5).

“Putting in the work every day at practice, it’s just amazing,” Bailey said. “Being able to translate that out here is even better.”

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Soccer