sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Cassie Peoples drives into the paint during Florida's win against Virginia Tech on Monday in the O'Connell Center.

Sports

Women’s basketball progress report: Height, experience helping Gators early

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 2, 2014

Midway through the nonconference schedule of the Florida Gators women’s basketball team, things are starting to click. Sitting comfortably at 5-1, Florida’s lone loss came against St. John’s on the road. With tough victories over quality opponents Georgetown and Virginia Tech, Florida’s hustle and effort highlighted an improved team – one that wants to not just outscore its opponent, but also ensure the other team finds it as difficult as possible to get the ball in the basket.

Of the three seniors, Monserez is usually the one who flies under the radar.Most of her contributions have come off the bench in relief for Pole and Unroe.But the Orlando native became an integral cog in Florida’s defense during her four years.Highlights such as a 23-dig outing against Tennessee during the 2012 season, digging a ball over press row during a match and setting up service runs are just a few of Monserez’s best moments during her time with Florida.In her final season with UF, Monserez is averaging 1.89 digs per set and set a career-high with 15 service aces while assuming the role as Florida’s main backup defensive specialist. She’s second on the Gators’ roster in reception attempts (496), and her .986 reception percentage this season is the highest among Florida’s backline players.

Sports

Maddy Monserez embraces role with Gators volleyball despite limited playing time

By IAN COHEN | Dec. 2, 2014

Maddy Monserez’s entire family sat in the stands. Her sister stood on the court.

Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during Florida's 3-2 win against Texas Tech.

Sports

UF forward named semifinalist for MAC Hermann Trophy

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 2, 2014

Florida’s Savannah Jordan has been named one of 16 female semifinalists for the 2014 Missouri Athletic Club’s (MAC) Hermann Trophy, the most prestigious individual award in collegiate soccer.

UF running back Matt Jones carries the ball during Florida's 36-30 triple-overtime win against Kentucky on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Report: Matt Jones heading to NFL Draft

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 2, 2014

Add Matt Jones to the list of UF football players leaving Florida early for the NFL Draft.

Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain directs his team against Air Force in the fourth quarter of Air Force's 27-24 victory in an NCAA college football game at Air Force Academy, Colo., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014.

Sports

UF AD Jeremy Foley travels to Colorado, meets with Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Dec. 2, 2014

For Florida football, love is in the air.

Sports

UF women’s basketball starts strong, defeats Virginia Tech

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 1, 2014

It wasn’t the characteristically slow start the Gators have shown this season, and with the way Florida (5-1) played, coach Amanda Butler can only hope the energetic starts continue for the team.

Sports

Florida soccer embraces highlights from 2014 season

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Dec. 1, 2014

Some teams are made up of more than just talented athletes from around the country and the world.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in Cleveland.

Sports

Gators in the NFL: Haden continues to intercept passes, Bostic racks up tackles

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 1, 2014

With Week 13 of NFL action in the books, here are some of the highlight performances from former Gators now playing in the big leagues.

Sports

Marcus Mariota, Melvin Gordon leading Heisman race

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Dec. 1, 2014

With the 2014 Heisman Trophy ceremony less than two weeks away, several hardware hopefuls will make their final cases on Championship Saturday this weekend.

UF coach Mary Wise talks to her team during a timeout in Florida's 3-0 win against Auburn.

Sports

Setting up success: Mary Wise has track record for strong recruiting

By EDEN OTERO | Dec. 1, 2014

Florida coach Mary Wise is a volleyball legend.

UF volleyball celebrates a point during Florida's 3-0 win against Texas A&M.

Sports

Florida earns No.8 seed in NCAA Tournament

By EDEN OTERO | Nov. 30, 2014

The Florida volleyball team earned the No. 8 seed in the 2014 NCAA Tournament on Sunday and will serve as one of 16 hosts for the first and second rounds of this year’s tournament.

UF coach Will Muschamp walks off the field at Doak Campbell Stadium with his wife and kids following Florida's 24-19 loss to No. 3 Florida State on Saturday in Tallahassee.

Sports

‘IT FALLS ON MY SHOULDERS’: Muschamp takes blame for losses

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 30, 2014

TALLAHASSEE — Outside Doak Campbell Stadium lie the graves of the conquered. Florida State’s Sod Cemetery serves as the football program’s trophy case, boasting the buried battlegrounds from some of the Seminoles’ most memorable victories.

Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) scores a 75-yard touchdown reception as Auburn defensive back Jonathon Mincy (6) attempts to tackle him during Alabama's 55-44 win against Auburn on Saturday.

Sports

Rivalry week upsets highlight Week 14 of College Football

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Nov. 30, 2014

As a typical rivalry week goes in college football, nothing goes as expected. Let’s take a look back at the final week of the regular season and see how it affects Championship Saturday next weekend.

FSU quarterback Jameis Winston celebrates during Florida's 24-19 loss to Florida State on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Sports

Johnson’s Journal: In rivalry tilt both teams did what they do best

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Nov. 30, 2014

TALLAHASSEE — As Treon Harris lined the Florida offense up with fourth and the ballgame to go, I scanned the crowd of 82,485 at Doak Campbell Stadium. My eyes met briefly with a female Florida State fan, and she smiled at me. It wasn’t one of those happy smiles, it was a nervous one, an "oh crap there’s still a chance we might lose this game," kind of smile. I just assumed she was new around these parts. Perhaps she had woken from a coma last Sunday and this was her first FSU game this season.

Alex Holston swings for a kill attempt during Florida's 3-0 win against Missouri in the O'Connell Center.

Sports

Florida volleyball tops Texas in five sets

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 29, 2014

Nearly two months ago, Florida was dominated by Texas.

Sports

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: Florida falls to Florida State in Muschamp's final game

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 29, 2014

TALLAHASSEE — It wasn’t in the cards for the Gators and Will Muschamp.

Havana Solaun kicks the ball during Florida's 3-2 win against Texas Tech at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

Sports

Florida soccer falls to Stanford in NCAA Quarterfinals

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Nov. 28, 2014

By way of penalty kicks, Florida fell to Stanford on Friday night in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament, bringing an end to the Gators’ season.

Carlie Needles drives into the paint during Florida's win against Longwood.

Sports

Florida women's basketball tops Georgetown on road

By GRAHAM HALL | Nov. 28, 2014

Facing its second Big East opponent on the road in less than a week, the Gators were able to avoid the early pace problems that have plagued the team throughout the season and beat Georgetown 81-73 on Friday night in Washington D.C.

Holly Pole digs a ball during Florida's 3-0 win against South Carolina on Wednesday in the O'Connell Center.

Sports

UF volleyball sweeps senior night, finishes undefeated in SEC play

By EDEN OTERO | Nov. 26, 2014

For the first time since 2010, Florida finished undefeated in the Southeastern Conference.

Cassie Peoples goes for a layup during Florida's season-opening win against Jacksonville.

Sports

UF women's basketball overcomes slow start in rout of Charleston Southern

By GRAHAM HALL | Nov. 25, 2014

For the first 10 minutes, it appeared the Gators were going to succumb to the slow start issues that has plagued the team throughout its first three games.