Postseason play has become a familiar stage for Florida lacrosse — and more often than not, it’s a winning one.
Entering the Big 12 Tournament as the No. 1 seed, the Gators (14-2, 5-0 Big 12) bring both the momentum of a dominant regular season and a championship track record few programs can match.
Florida takes on UC Davis at 4 p.m. Thursday (ESPN+) at the Donald R. Dizney Stadium to start of the Big 12 Tournament. The Gators have won 11 straight conference tournament titles, a streak that spans across multiple conferences and eras of the program.
Most recently, Florida claimed the inaugural Big 12 Conference Tournament Championship in 2025. The win added to a run that has included consistent dominance in the American Athletic Conference, along with titles in both the Big East and American Lacrosse Conferences. Since falling in its 2013 title game, Florida has consistently turned postseason appearances into championships, establishing itself as the standard within every conference it has entered.
That standard will be tested again this week.
The Gators open tournament play against No. 4 seed UC Davis (7-8, 2-3 Big 12) on Thursday, a familiar opponent they defeated last Saturday to secure the outright regular season title. On the other side of the bracket, No. 2 seed Colorado (12-3, 4-1 Big 12) will face No. 3 seed Arizona State (8-9, 3-2 Big 12), with the winners advancing to the championship game.
While Florida enters as the clear favorite on paper, the nature of a conference tournament leaves little room for error.
The Gators’ most recent performance against UC Davis showed exactly why they hold the top seed. Florida rolled to a 19-6 win, using a nine-goal second quarter to break the game open and never look back. The offensive production came from across the roster, with senior Kaitlyn Davies and sophomore Frannie Hahn each posting six points. The result highlighted Florida’s offensive balance, with scoring from multiple players, even as sustaining that level of execution for all four quarters remains a work in progress.
Still, the Gators are treating the rematch as a reset rather than a continuation.
UF coach Amanda O’Leary emphasized that mindset following the win, noting that postseason play wipes away previous results. With both teams able to study film and adjust, the familiarity creates what she described as a “neutral” environment, where execution will determine the outcome.
That approach reflects a program built on discipline as much as talent. Even in a decisive win, O’Leary pointed to areas for improvement, particularly in shot quality early in games. Florida opened its last matchup with a relatively slow first quarter before finding its rhythm, something the Gators will look to correct as the stakes rise.
Beyond tactics, O’Leary highlighted the culture within the team as a defining factor. She described an “electric” and selfless bench, where players contribute regardless of playing time. That collective energy, combined with veteran leadership, has helped sustain Florida’s success throughout the season.
“I think this class will go down as one of the top classes we’ve ever had,” O’Leary said of the senior group, pointing not only to their performance, but to their character and influence on the program.
That leadership will be especially important in a tournament setting, where momentum can shift quickly, particularly for a group that leans on underclassmen in key positions.
For UC Davis, the opportunity is clear. A second meeting offers a chance to adjust, slow the pace and challenge a Florida team that has consistently dictated tempo.
On the opposite side of the bracket, Colorado enters after a dominant 19-5 win over Arizona State in their most recent meeting. That result gives Colorado a clear confidence heading into the rematch, but postseason play has a way of resetting expectations, especially against a familiar opponent.
Ultimately, the tournament may come down to the same factors that have ruled Florida’s season: depth, possession and consistency. If the Gators can combine their offensive efficiency with disciplined execution, they will once again be in a position to extend their championship streak.
But as O’Leary made it clear, none of that is guaranteed.
“We start with where our feet are,” O’Leary said.
Notes: Clark Hamilton was named the Big 12 Attack Player of the Year, Kaitlyn Davies earned Big 12 Midfielder of the Year honors and Autumn Blair was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Hamilton and Davies are joined by Theresa Bragg, Ashley Dyer, Frannie Hahn and Gabbi Koury on the All-Big 12 Team.
Boo DeWitt, Caroline Hoskins and Alexa Stone join Blair on being recognized on the Big 12 All-Newcomer team, which features 13 student-athletes who are in their first year participating on their team.
