2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Renewable energy could save UF millions of dollars

By Lucille Lannigan | Mar. 9, 2022

A new analysis suggests UF could transition to renewable, cheaper energy and save $100 million, rather than move forward with its current more expensive plan to construct a gas plant. The Rocky Mountain Institute, an environmentalist think tank, presented its analysis to a group of climate scientists, retired professors and Matt Williams, UF’s sustainability director, on Wednesday. It found UF can save money by using clean energy to achieve its energy needs while protecting the natural environment.

Redshirt sophomore Sarah Reznick, from Long Beach, New York, forwards the ball to midfield in a home matchup with the Liberty Flames. Reznick was named to the AAC All-Tournament team.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida back to winning ways with triumph at Liberty

By Topher Adams | Mar. 9, 2022

Florida lacrosse got back on schedule, curbing a three-game skid with a badly needed win against the Liberty Flames.

The Florida baseball team stands in the dugout during a game against Jacksonville on March 14, 2021. The Gators host the LSU Tigers for a three-game slate

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators top Dolphins in low-scoring affair

By Carson Cashion | Mar. 8, 2022

The Gator bats didn’t give the bullpen much breathing room, but No. 11 Florida (11-3) did just enough to secure a 1-0 victory in the first battle of a two-game slate against the Jacksonville Dolphins (8-5).

Mike White leads a team huddle Feb. 19. His Gators face the Texas A&M Aggies Thursday in the SEC Tournament.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

The road to redemption goes through Tampa

By Joseph Henry | Mar. 8, 2022

Florida’s SEC Tournament matchup Thursday will be a make-or-break game for the Gators’ Big Dance aspirations.

Senior captain Duarte Vale returns a ball against Auburn on Feb. 21, 2021. Vale along with doubles partner Nate Bonetto defeated the Kentucky pairing of Francois Musitelli and Yasha Zeme. Their victory contributed to Florida's team win over the Wildcats Sunday.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Gators emerge victorious over Kentucky

By Joshua Morgan | Mar. 8, 2022

No. 5 Florida (9-2) improved to 2-0 in conference play in a 4-3 win over No. 9 Kentucky. The Gators were able to pick up their fourth straight win, all coming against top-10 opponents

Annabell Fuller competes for Florida Gators women's golf Feb. 23, 2021 at the Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville, FL / UAA Communications photo by Leslie White. Fuller led the team at the MountainView Collegiate Sunday and was the only Gator to place inside the top-10.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida adds to its impressive Vystar Gators Invitational win streak

By Lillian Randolph | Mar. 6, 2022

“It is obviously a huge honor to win at home,” said Annabell Fuller, who tied for fourth individually this weekend. The Gators women’s golf team tied with Michigan for first-place Sunday, taking the title in the 50th annual Vystar Gators Invitational over the weekend.

Florida outfielder Jud Fabian and the Gators collapsed in the ninth inning Sunday afternoon, falling to the Alabama Crimson Tide, 8-7.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators win series against Hurricanes in Coral Gables

By Carson Cashion | Mar. 6, 2022

After a game-one loss Friday night, the Gators had a chance to flip the script from last year and give the ‘Canes a taste of their own medicine. They did just that, winning Saturday and Sunday with the help of sophomores Brandon Sproat and Timmy Manning throwing their best games of the young season.

Senior right-handed pitcher Elizabeth Hightower delivers a pitch against Louisville, 2021.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida run-rules Georgia State and Coastal Carolina to finish Bubly Invitational

By Jose Tovar | Mar. 6, 2022

Florida softball earned consecutive run-rule wins over Coastal Carolina and Georgia State Sunday on the last day of the Bubly Invitational.

Brandon Sproat pitching against Miami Feb. 21, 2021. Courtesy of the SEC Media Portal. Sproat will start on the mound for Florida's first-round matchup with Central Michigan.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Sproat shines, Gators bounce back in Saturday night victory in Miami

By Carson Cashion | Mar. 5, 2022

After a defeat on Friday night, the Florida Gators booked a rubber game on Sunday afternoon with Miami on the heels of an 8-1 victory.

Keyontae Johnson during a Florida huddle Feb. 19. The senior was is under investigation for a sexual assault, reportedly taking place in February.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Thsiebwe, Wildcats spoil Florida’s Senior Day

By Joseph Henry | Mar. 5, 2022

Kentucky's Oscar Thsiebwe dominated Florida to the tune of 27 points and 15 rebounds. This marks the second loss to the Wildcat's this season and leaves UF with work to do in the SEC Tournament.

Infielders Hannah Adams and Avery Golez discuss strategy during an on-field timeout against Louisville, 2021

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida defeats Tennessee State on day two of the Bubly Invitational

By Brenda Bogle | Mar. 5, 2022

Florida softball executes a dominant win against Tennessee State, claiming its third win in a row. The Gators now face a doubleheader Sunday to close out the Bubly Invitational.

The Florida lacrosse team huddles against Vanderbilt on April 16. The team's season last year ended with a loss to Syracuse in the Elite Eight.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida comeback comes up short against No. 5 Stony Brook

By Topher Adams | Mar. 5, 2022

The Gators fought hard, but fouls and finishing woes caused them to drop their third-straight game.

Sam Riffice against USF on May 9, 2021. The Gators shut out South Carolina Friday, 6-0.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Gators dominate No. 6 South Carolina to open conference play

By Joshua Morgan | Mar. 5, 2022

Florida men’s tennis faced a tough opponent in No. 6 South Carolina to open conference play, and a 7-0 victory serves as their most impressive win of the season and a reminder that this team is a national title contender.

UF gymnastics alum Megan Skaggs will return to the program as an assistant to head coach Jenny Rowland.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Florida gymnastics claims sole ownership of the SEC title, ties Auburn

By Madeline Lawson | Mar. 5, 2022

Florida secured sole possession of its fourth-consecutive SEC regular-season title and became the fifth team to achieve it undefeated

Hunter Barco, a 19-year-old UF business administration freshman, pitches in an exhibition game against Georgia. Barco allowed four runs in a 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Barco allows four, Gators lose to Miami in series opener

By Carson Cashion | Mar. 4, 2022

In the opening game of a three-game series, the Gators’ bats were unable to match up with the Hurricanes pitching.

Elizabeth Hightower winds up toward home plate March 3 against Florida State. The senior made her return during a doubleheader Friday.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida softball opens Bubly Invitational with back-to-back wins

By Jose Tovar | Mar. 4, 2022

Redshirt junior Skylar Wallace had a phenomenal performance Friday in the Gators’ doubleheader against Georgia State and Coastal Carolina. She stole four bases and score three times.

Guard Zippy Broughton controls the ball against Missouri Feb. 27. The senior lead the Gators with 26 points Friday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals versus Ole Miss.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Smith-less Gators trounced out of SEC Tournament quarterfinal by Ole Miss

By Caleb Wiegandt | Mar. 4, 2022

Ole Miss center Shakira Austin’s size gave her 27 points and the Gators a 70-60 bouncing out of the SEC Tournament. Zippy Broughton scored 26 points to lead UF’s depleted roster that was missing stars Kiki Smith and Jordyn Merritt.

ENTERPRISE | HEALTH

Fitness for all: Gainesville fitness instructors uplift plus-sized community

By Jared Teitel | Mar. 4, 2022

The world is beginning to embrace plus-sized beauty in the media and fashion industry. Some Gainesville studios and personal trainers are advocating for inclusivity.

Jud Fabian nails a home run shot to center field. Florida edged Bethune-Cookman Tuesday night, 3-2.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators head to Miami for rivalry series against ‘Canes

By Carson Cashion | Mar. 4, 2022

“We hate Miami, they hate us.” The sentiment was blunt from junior Jud Fabian before a massive weekend series against the Hurricanes in Coral Gables.

Clifford Taylor IV returns to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after the Los Angeles Rams victory in Super Bowl 56

SPORTS | FEATURES

UF walk-on turned Super Bowl Champion: How Clifford Taylor IV made it

By Madeline Lawson | Mar. 4, 2022

“There’s no Rams without the Florida Gators,” Taylor said. Taylor, 22, walked on to the Florida football team in Summer 2019. He never saw any game time, but his determination and resilience proved to be his biggest asset. Taylor became the LA Rams social media and design specialist in June 2021 by having a knack for finding closed doors, knocking on them and getting an answer.

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