GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Redshirt senior
Nicole Graziano put up four goals and was scrappy defensively with a career-high and UF single-game record five caused turnovers to help guide the No. 2 and undefeated Gators to a 15-7 victory over No. 17 Towson Monday evening at The Diz.
Florida served the Tigers (6-1) their first loss of the season while moving to 9-0 on the year as one of four undefeated teams remaining in the country. Another undefeated squad in No. 1 Maryland (5-0) will visit Gainesville this Saturday, March 19, for a noon showdown. The Gators moved to 6-0 at home this year and 6-0 against ranked foes on the campaign -- the Towson tilt marked the third in a stretch of four straight top-20 clashes for the Orange and Blue.
Junior
Sammi Burgess scored a team and season-high five points on three goals with two assists, and freshman
Haley Hicklen put on a clinic in the cage, facing 11 shots and racking up a career high five saves on the evening. Seven Gators found the back of the net against the Tigers, started by senior
Devon Schneider.
Florida worked its way to a 6-1 lead before Towson scored four straight goals, two from Carly Tellekamp, to close the gap 6-5 with 16:02 remaining in the first. The Orange and Blue were persistent though, using a 3-1 run to close out the opening half with scores from
Lauren Lea,
Shayna Pirreca and Graziano for a 9-6 advantage at the half.
After outscoring Boston College 7-1 in the second period Friday, it was déjà vu Monday as Florida put up six goals to Towson's one in the final half of play for the 15-7 final.
Florida has another tall order Saturday when No. 1 Maryland comes to town. Opening draw is slated for noon from Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
THE RECORDSNo. 3 Florida: 9-0
No. 17 Towson: 6-1
NUMBERS OF NOTE