Florida Gators
US Open
On this date in Gators history: Aug. 29, 1997
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 | Women's Swimming & Diving, Chris Harry
The Florida women's soccer team opened its third season by facing No. 1-ranked North Carolina in Dallas.
Just nine months earlier, Coach Becky Burleigh and the Gators had qualified for the first NCAA Tournament in the program's short history and after dispatching of Wake Forest 5-0 in first-round action drew perennial power North Carolina in second-round play.
Final score: UNC 9, UF 0.
The Tar Heels went on to capture their 13th NCAA title in 15 seasons and opened defense of that latest championship against the Gators.
New season, new result.
The Gators got a big second-half goal from Sarah Yohe to tie the game and behind the likes of standout forward Melissa Pini (left) battled the Tar Heels into the final minutes before UNC fired a game-winner past Lynn Pattishall at 85:59 and claimed a 2-1 victory.
