The head of the Florida lacrosse attack, junior attacker Gianna Monaco has been on an absolute tear as of late.
Heading into Friday’s NCAA tournament bout, Monaco scored five and six goals, respectively, in Florida’s two Big 12 championship tournament victories.
Then, Monaco stepped up once again Friday, helping lead the Gators to victory Friday, while setting a career-high with seven goals and eight points.
Behind Monaco, the No. 4-seeded Florida Gators (18-2) defeated Mercer (12-8) 18-6 in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday afternoon. It was the second time the Gators defeated Mercer during the 2025 campaign after UF beat the Bears 22-9 on March 15.
Monaco’s career day was supplemented by a number of Gators who filled the scoresheet. Junior midfielder Kaitlyn Davies, who was recently named to the All-American second team, scored two goals.
Freshman midfielder Gabby Greene and sophomore midfielder Gabbi Koury also scored two each.
Graduate student attacker Jordan Basso led the way in assists with four. Basso is one of only 27 players in the NCAA with more than 30 goals and 30 assists this season.
Florida’s offense was active in the second quarter and recorded eight goals. Monaco scored four times in the frame. Hamilton scored near the end of the quarter, marking her 51st goal this season. Mercer struggled against Florida, only scoring once in the second quarter.
Senior defender Celeste Forte scored for the first time this season at the start of the third quarter. Basso also scored in the third quarter with a free position shot.
Following a Florida card, junior attacker Abby Vane scored a goal during a Mercer power play in the third quarter.
With a 13-point lead on the Bears, Gators head coach Amanda O’Leary took out the starters and rotated the lineup for the fourth quarter. Florida remained in control of the game, clinching the 12-goal victory.
The Gators lead the all-time series between the two schools 7-0. Florida will advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where it will face Stanford at 11 a.m. Sunday at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville.
Contact Nicole Lopez at nlopez@alligator.org. Follow her on X @nicolee_alo
