The #10 ranked Florida Gators lacrosse team took down the #7 ranked Loyola Greyhounds at home this afternoon. The Gators scored the final five goals to win the game 14-11.
Saturday dubs at the Diz > 😎#FLax | #GoGators | Presented by @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/NJUNbOuLUZ
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) March 11, 2023
First Quarter
Loyola drew first blood, taking an early 1-0 lead over the Gators. However, Florida was not to be deterred, as Maggi Hall and Danielle Pavinelli scored the next two. Paisley Eagan netted another for the Gators as they ended the quarter tied 3-3.
What a feed by @ashgonz26 to find Paisley Eagan for the finish 🐊
Q1 | Florida 3, Loyola 2#FLax | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/VwI4RntXax
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) March 11, 2023
Second Quarter
The Greyhounds struck first in the second, scoring only 33 seconds into the quarter. Loyola dominated possession in the early parts of the quarter, scoring another goal before Florida could answer. Freshman attacker Ava Tighe took a defender one-on-one before blowing by her to net the Gators’ first goal of the quarter. Despite some fantastic saves by Florida goalkeeper Sarah Reznick, Loyola scored four goals in the second. Play got a little tough and it resulted in multiple fouls and penalty shots for Loyola in the quarter. The Greyhounds took a 7-5 lead into the half.
Ava with the 🎯
📺 https://t.co/b9Sw0IpTtL#FLax | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/vdwUcdApYM
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) March 11, 2023
Third Quarter
Florida opened up the second half with a goal from Madison Waters that brought the Gators within one. Loyola answered quickly but had the goal disallowed due to a foul resulting in a Greyhound yellow card. Loyola was unphased by going one player down, scoring before the two-minute penalty period ended. Reznick made a last-second save that would have put the Greyhounds up by two at the end of the third. Loyola took a one-point lead into the final quarter.
Maddie Waters gets the Gators within 1 early in the third 💪
Q3 | Florida 6, Loyola 7#FLax | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/MWck0FcNgd
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) March 11, 2023
Fourth Quarter
The Gators entered the fourth quarter with some work to do. Loyola scored early to extend their lead to two, but Florida responded with another goal from Emily Heller, giving her a hat-trick. After another Loyola score, Florida scored five unanswered goals, including Maggi Hall’s fourth-quarter goal making her the second Gator with a hat-trick on the day. The game’s final score was Florida 14, and Loyola 11.
The Gators take the lead off of ANOTHER @maggi_hall goal!
Q4 | Florida 12, Loyola 11#FLax | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/uxwk0KbzwG
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) March 11, 2023
Gators Lacrosse’s Next Game
Florida’s next game is a midweek, spring break matchup against Colgate. The Gators lacrosse team will host the Raiders at Donald R. Dizney Stadium on Tuesday at 6:30. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ for anyone unable to attend.