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Thursday, March 28, 2024
NEWS  |  CAMPUS

Sophomore midfielder breaks school record in dominant win

<p>Shannon Gilroy fights for possession against Penn State on May 19, 2012. Gilroy scored five goals in Florida's 14-9 win against No. 13 Dartmouth on Saturday.</p>

Shannon Gilroy fights for possession against Penn State on May 19, 2012. Gilroy scored five goals in Florida's 14-9 win against No. 13 Dartmouth on Saturday.

Sophomore Shannon Gilroy wrapped up a long week and a half for the Gators with her name in the record books.

Gilroy scored five goals and recorded a record-breaking eight draw controls in No. 3 Florida’s 17-7 win against UAlbany (0-1) on Sunday at Dizney Stadium.

The Gators (6-0) beat the Great Danes 21-4 in draw controls.

"It carries a lot of momentum," Gilroy said. "And when we have possession of the ball, the other team can’t score."

Gilroy’s eight draw controls sets a program record. She finished the day with 104 for her career.

"I just do my best when it comes to the draw," Gilroy said. "I plan on going straight up in the air every single time, and I do my best to get it."

Senior Brittany Dashiell is the all-time leader in draws for Florida with 156. Dashiell surpassed 100 in 35 games. Gilroy only needed 27.

"She dominated the draw, that’s what she does," coach Amanda O’Leary said of Gilroy’s play. "She’s not only a threat on the draw but offensively."

In addition to dominating the draw, Gilroy led her team with five goals. She leads the Gators with 16 scores this season.

Senior Ashley Bruns accounted for four goals for the second time in three days. She is tied with senior Kitty Cullen, who had three on Sunday, for second on the team with 13 scores.

The Gators converted 17 of their 31 shots. Their shooting percentage measured more than .500 for only the second time this season.

Since Florida’s season-opening 5-3 win against North Carolina on Feb. 9, the Gators’ offense has opened up. They have averaged 15.4 goals in their past five games.

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"I credit [assistant Erica LaGrow] with putting together a really good offensive game plan," O’Leary said. "Those players are really well prepared. Obviously, it’s up to them to execute, and they did."

UF’s offensive spurt came in five games during an 11-day stretch.

"They never hung their heads and said, ‘Oh my gosh, five games in 11 days, that’s just overwhelming,’" O’Leary said.

"They lived up to it, they worked hard and came out with five victories."

Shannon Gilroy fights for possession against Penn State on May 19, 2012. Gilroy scored five goals in Florida's 14-9 win against No. 13 Dartmouth on Saturday.

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