For Taylor Burke, Texas A&M was a wake-up call.
In the five games prior to the Gators' match against the Aggies, the sophomore goalkeeper had seen only 20 shots. Of those 20, only six were on goal.
But when Florida traveled to College Station, Texas, Burke faced a bombardment of shots. Texas A&M took 19, including nine on goal.
"It was just really fun to be involved more," Burke said.
Luckily for the Gators, Burke stepped up to the challenge, allowing only one goal.
"She saved our butts," senior midfielder Erika Tymrak said. "She made some really big-time saves."
Burke will have to be on top of her game again this weekend when No. 12 Florida (10-3-1, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) hosts No. 14 Missouri (12-2, 7-1 SEC).
The Tigers' lineup features three players who have six goals this season. By comparison, the Gators' leading goal scorer is sophomore Havana Solaun, who has five.
"Missouri is a very potent offense," coach Becky Burleigh said. "They're going to come after us. They're athletic, and they're aggressive. We have to really, really focus on being composed in this game, because we don't want to get into their style of play."
Burleigh said she was disappointed with the team's composure early in the game against Texas A&M. The Gators allowed the Aggies to take a lead in the 22nd minute.
Unfortunately for Missouri, Burke kept her composure against Texas A&M.
"We're just seeing her confidence grow and her getting better and better," Burleigh said.
Burke made several key saves against the Aggies offense, including one late in the first half when she punched a high shot over the crossbar to preserve the Gators' 2-1 lead.
"She's just so athletic," Burleigh said. "I kind of would have been disappointed if she hadn't made that save, but at the same time, it's a very special save."
Burke has been a major part of Florida's current seven-game winning streak. In those seven games, she held opponents to a goals against average of only .571. Of the four goals she did surrender, only two came when the game was tied, and none were allowed when the Gators were losing.
With five games remaining before the SEC tournament, the Gators control their own future in the chase for the regular-season crown. To win the title, Florida will need to defeat its major competitor in the SEC East, the Tigers.
The key to beating Missouri is in Florida's goal, and Burke's teammates thinks she's up to the task.
Said senior Holly King: "Taylor's a stud."
Gators sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Burke makes a save against the Tennessee Volunteers during a game in 2011. Burke played the second half in Florida's 3-0 home loss on FSU on Friday night.
