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For the first time in their UF careers, five Florida seniors have made it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
Unlike last year, when UCF beat the Gators in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, this time around it was the Gators who found themselves on top, beating UCF 1-0.
All game Florida was the aggressor against UCF, outshooting the Knights 15-1. The Gators finally broke through in the 60th minute on midfielder Taylor Travis’s first goal of the season. Travis connected with forward Erika Tymrak on a give-and-go at the top of the box and was able to slot the ball home past UCF goalie Lianne Maldonado.
Erika Tymrak now leads the team in goals (9), assists (12), and points (30) despite missing six games with an ankle injury. Earlier this month Tymrak was recognized as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and was also named to Top Drawer’s All-American team.
A big part of Florida’s game plan this season centers on its ability to possess the ball more than their opponents. As Florida head coach Becky Burleigh says, the best part about keeping possession of the ball is that the other team can’t score.
Senior midfielder Holly King adds the team has bought into this style of play, and the players think they’ve found a winning formula.
Florida squares off against Notre Dame on Sunday in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. Kickoff for that match is set for 1pm. ESPN Radio 850/900 will be broadcasting live coverage of the matchup, coverage starts at 12:50.
