Coming into Saturday’s matchup, it was strength versus strength.
No. 7 Florida entered with the nation’s No. 2 scoring offense, averaging 16.6 goals per game. No. 16 Colorado countered with the No. 1 scoring defense, allowing just over six goals per contest.
By the final whistle, it was Florida’s defense and goalkeeper that stole the show.
Behind a standout performance from sophomore goalie Susan Radebaugh, the Gators (8-2) defeated Colorado (7-2) 9-7 in their Big 12 home opener, extending their win streak to six games.
Fans from both sides packed the stadium and made their presence felt, reacting loudly to nearly every whistle in a back-and-forth contest.
Florida found its rhythm late in the first half when junior midfielder Gabbi Koury cut through the defense and buried a goal to tie the game at three.
The moment sparked the crowd, with one Florida fan yelling, “You can’t stop her, you can only hope to contain her.”
The first half was defined by defensive pressure and missed opportunities. Both teams traded turnovers and struggled to capitalize, with Colorado holding a slight edge in shots.
“There’s a reason they’re the number one defense,” said Florida head coach Amanda O’Leary. “We had 17 turnovers, which has to be a high for us … but credit to them.”
Florida matched its previous record for most turnovers in a game, also logging 17 during its matchup at Clemson Feb. 21.
Despite this, Radebaugh helped keep Florida within reach, making several key saves to prevent the Buffaloes from pulling away.
“Susan owned the position… she made some crucial saves when we needed her to,” O’Leary said. Radebaugh finished with 12 saves and a .632 save percentage, anchoring a Gators defense that held Colorado well below its typical offensive output.
Florida seemed to gain momentum midway through the second quarter when senior midfielder Kaitlyn Davies found the back of the net, but the goal was waved off due to an illegal stick, stopping the surge.
At halftime, neither team had established clear control in the tight defensive battle.
But the Gators came out of the break with renewed energy.
Freshman midfielder Caroline Hoskins gave the Gators their first lead of the game early in the third quarter off an assist from Alexa Stone.
However, Colorado responded quickly, capitalizing on a free-position opportunity to even the score at 4-4.
The teams continued to trade goals throughout the third quarter. Davies eventually broke through for Florida to tie the game at five heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter is where Florida separated itself.
Radebaugh delivered a series of clutch saves, including stops on multiple free-position attempts to shut down Colorado’s attack. Her performance in the cage proved to be the difference, as the Gators began to capitalize on the other end.
Late in the game, Florida adjusted by moving Koury into a lower attacking position, where she was able to create opportunities and pick up key assists.
“We had some personnel changes…and I think such a momentum change,” O’Leary said.
Freshman attacker Autumn Blair gave Florida the lead early in the quarter, and Davies added another goal off an assist from Koury to extend the advantage. Sophomore attacker Clark Hamilton later found the net on a strong run from the 8-meter arc, pushing Florida further ahead.
Colorado made a late push behind senior midfielder Lily Assini and junior attacker Jamie Hill, who combined for multiple second-half goals, but the Buffaloes couldn’t overcome Florida’s defensive stand.
Colorado was led by Assini, who totaled six points (four goals, two assists), while Maddie Shoup added five points (three goals, two assists). Despite being outshot 29-19, Florida made the most of its opportunities and controlled possession late, winning 11 draw controls and successfully clearing the ball on all 23 attempts.
For Florida, Davies and Koury provided key offensive sparks, but the night ultimately belonged to Radebaugh.
“Sometimes when one side of the field isn’t having a great day, you got to lean in on the opposite side, and I thought our defense really, really held us in the game,” O’Leary said.
Florida’s next game is against South Florida (8-3, 3-0 AAC) at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
Contact Isis Snow at isnow@alligator.org. Follow her on X @isis_snoww.
Isis is a senior sports journalism student who is in her fourth semester at The Alligator. She previously has written for the Avenue desk and has covered the Florida volleyball beat. She also has experience in live broadcast reporting with WUFT. Despite hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, she is a life-long Michigan and Detroit Lions fan. To make up for the emotional toll of being a fan of those teams, you will often find her in the gym weight lifting and playing basketball.
