For yet another game, Florida's opponent had no answer for freshman attacker Ashley Bruns.
Bruns led the Gators (5-3, 0-1 American Lacrosse Conference) with six goals and three assists in a 15-3 victory over the New Hampshire Wildcats and had to overcome multiple checks to the head in what was perhaps UF's most physical game so far this season.
"It was frustrating to keep getting hit in the head," Bruns said. "But you have to keep going."
Midfielder Colby Rhea added three scores for the Gators on the day while attacker Caroline Cochran accounted for two.
Florida's offense was efficient, taking 37 shots to just 11 by New Hampshire. The Gators scored the first five goals of the game before the Wildcats got on the board with 7:23 left in the first half.
However, after its first three goals, UF had difficulty converting on shots until Bruns stepped up and reeled off the squad's next four goals, helping the Gators to pull away with a 7-1 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Wildcats scored the first two goals, cutting the lead to 7-3. Florida then made eight unanswered scores to seal the win.
Florida's defense was a key to the victory. Goalkeeper Cara Canington faced the Wildcats' offense head-on, allowing just one score in the first period. She has given up only six goals in the last two games.
UF coach Amanda O'Leary said her young team is starting to play more cohesively, and it was able to continue its level of play from Wednesday's matchup against Marist.
"We did a great job adjusting," O'Leary said. "Although they are very young, they're maturing quickly, and that's what we need to do."
