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Two of the nations best unbeaten women’s lacrosse teams are set to go head-to-head in Gainesville this Saturday, March 19, at noon. The showdown is set to take place at Donald R. Dizney Stadium as the No. 1 Maryland Terrapins visit the No. 2 Florida Gators.
The Gators are one of the four undefeated teams remaining this season in women’s college lacrosse. Both Maryland and Florida have faced North Carolina and Syracuse giving the two power houses a similar strength of schedule.
Florida’s strength of schedule is impressive within itself having played and beaten two top-five teams. The Gators are accustomed to taking on some of the nations best as they have beaten six ranked opponents in 2016, winning three of those on the road.
"You play the game to compete against the best." – @GatorsLAX midfielder, Nicole Graziano ahead of the game vs @MarylandWLax
— Daniel Baker (@Daniel_Baker9) March 15, 2016
Florida has a record of 2-2 all-time against No. 1 ranked opponents, defeating Northwestern twice and losing to both UNC in 2014 and Maryland in 2015 at College Park.
The Gators should be at their best with seasoned phenom Mollie Stevens a Maryland native returning back to the lineup. Florida lacrosse coach Amanda O’Leary says having Mollie in the game is critical.
Mollie Stevens did not participate in the Gators win against the Towson Tigers as she was given a red card for checking an opposing player with her stick against Boston College. She is a main staple of the team having four hat tricks so far this season. The Gators need their best player and one of the nation’s brightest stars as they face the Terrapins. O’Leary is ecstatic to have her star back.
