After almost a week off since its regular season finale, No. 2 seed Florida (14-4, 9-2 Southeastern Conference) plays 10th-seeded Tennessee today at 1 p.m. in Orange Beach, Alabama, in what it hopes to be the start of a long run in the SEC Tournament.
The lengthy layoff has made the team anxious to get back on the field and play again. The excitement was evident among the players before their departure for Alabama.
Even the prospect of potentially playing three games in five days — something the Gators would have to do if they advanced to the championship game on Sunday — sounded fun to the soccer-starved unit.
"It’s tiring, but I think all of us love soccer so much that we’re super excited to play more games," senior Tessa Andujar said.
Coach Becky Burleigh echoed Andujar’s sentiments.
"For our team, you realize the fragility left in your season, and so I think it’s an exciting opportunity for us, it’s exciting to have more games to play," she said. "This team has always wanted to spend as much time as possible together, so I think they’re just excited about getting back on the field."
The matchup between Florida and Tennessee is their second in the last 13 days — the Gators beat the Volunteers 3-1 on senior night in Gainesville on Oct. 24.
In the match, Tennessee jumped ahead early in the opening minutes and held the lead until the half, but Florida came roaring back in the second half. Burleigh called it one of Florida’s most complete performances of the season.
Tennessee earned the right to play Florida after a come-from-behind victory against Alabama Monday, in which the Volunteers scored three second-half goals to defeat the Crimson Tide 3-2.
Even though the Gators played well in their first meeting, the team says it knows every match will be difficult in the postseason.
"No matter who we play, they’re going to be really good," Andujar said, "and we just need to match that."
And even though Florida narrowly missed the No. 1 seed — falling one point behind Texas A&M — Burleigh said the team still has a target on its back because of the program’s success, and it should expect the best from every opponent it faces.
"I have a good feeling that people like to beat Florida," she said, "regardless if you’re the No. 1 or No. 2 seed."
Follow Graham Hack on Twitter @Graham_Hack24
Florida's starters huddle prior to their 3-1 win against Georgia.
