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In the season opener, No. 5-ranked Florida Gators Lacrosse would show up in a 16-9 victory over No. 17 Colorado. The home opener would prove to be electric, with a wild crowd showing out for the Gators and Buffaloes.
#GatorsWin! pic.twitter.com/JCkWqV62Xc
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) February 11, 2018
Opening on a High Note
Once the game would begin, the Gators would win the faceoff to start with possession. After gaining possession, freshman Kassidy Bresnahan would score early. After Colorado would answer, Florida struck once more, thanks to senior Shayna Pirreca. Following another point from Colorado, Florida would score two unanswered goals, making it 4-2.
In a back-and-forth first half of play for Florida, the half would conclude with the Gators up 9-8. Once the second half started, it was a different game for Florida. The team would take a little to get going but would open up with a goal thanks to junior Madi Hall.
https://twitter.com/GatorsLAX/status/962757052593557509
After a defensive first half, the Gators would really turn up the heat in the second, answering six unanswered goals in the second. Colorado would finally answer with a goal from Devon Bayer, but would not be enough to mount a comeback. With 55 seconds left of play, the domination would intensify with another goal from Pirreca.
After bringing the score to 16-9, the Gators would ride out the clock to secure the victory on Sunday, and start the season 1-0 with this major statement victory.
With the season opener in the books, the biggest contributor for the win is junior goalkeeper Haley Hicklen. Hicklen would set a new career high in saves with 14.
With her latest save, @HALEYs_comet_ set a new career-high in saves with 14!! #GoGators pic.twitter.com/ICffZtkxHc
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) February 11, 2018
Colorado would try over and over to outsmart the Baltimore native, but she would become a brick wall. With this being only the season opener, it will be interesting to see how the season continues for Hicklen, especially with Maryland visiting Gainesville after an 18-7 victory.
What’s Next for Florida Lacrosse?
The Gators next host the No. 1-ranked Maryland Terrapins for the second week of season play. That game will take place at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville, with a start time of noon.
We are LIVE from the @GatorsLAX season opener, as the No, 5-ranked Gators play host to No. 17 Colorado. Stay tuned for live coverage of today's game, beginning at noon! pic.twitter.com/41XVlW55KS
— ESPN 98.1 / 850 WRUF (@ESPNGainesville) February 11, 2018
Follow ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF on Twitter for live, game-by-game coverage of the team as the season continues.
