Closing the book on 2016; New Season Starts Tonight

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With the 2017 season starting tonight (6:30 vs. William & Mary), it's time to close the book on 2016.

After two weeks of fan voting, the top moment of 2016 was narrowed down to two and we have a winner, by a slim margin.

Earning 51 percent of the final vote, JJ Schwarz's grand slam against Florida State in the Super Regional (VIDEO) was chosen by the fans as the top moment of 2016 -- narrowly edging out Buddy Reed's steal of home against Georgia.

Florida starts the 2017 season ranked No. 2 in the USA Today Coaches poll and opens with a three-game series against William & Mary at McKethan Stadium. All three games will be streamed live via SEC Network+.

SERIES HISTORY

Florida leads the all-time series 5-0 over William & Mary. The last meeting between the Gators and Tribe was in 2012 -- UF swept three games from William & Mary in Gainesville.

QUICK HITS

Florida returns 16 players from last year's College World Series team that finished 52-16, one win shy than then school record for wins in a season.
UF returns six starters from last year's lineup, including Preseason All-Americans SS Dalton Guthrie, 3B Jonathan India, 2B Deacon Liput, C Mike Rivera and C/1B JJ Schwarz.
On the mound, UF's weekend starters are led by All-American Alex Faedo, who led the SEC with 13 wins last year. Sophomores Jackson Kowar and Brady Singer will step into weekend starting spots after primarily pitching in relief roles last year.
Florida welcomes 13 newcomers to the roster. The 2016 recruiting class was ranked No. 3 by Baseball America and No. 6 by Collegiate Baseball.

FULL GAME NOTES

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