sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Cassie Peoples drives down the court during Florida’s 81-76 loss to Missouri on Feb. 20 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Florida wins tourney opener

By GORDON STREISAND< | Mar. 23, 2014

A double-digit deficit in the second half with the season on the line did not phase the Gators on Sunday afternoon.

Bobby Poyner pitches during Florida’s 4-0 win against Maryland on Feb. 14 at McKethan Stadium.

Sports

Florida drops final game of series against Texas A&M in extra innings

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Mar. 23, 2014

The Gators and Aggies went to extra innings for the second time in their three-game series Sunday, but unlike the first time, Texas A&M came out victorious.

Kytra Hunter performs a balance beam routine during Florida’s 198.125-197.625 over LSU on Feb. 21. Hunter won the balance-beam title at the Southeastern Conference Championships, but the Gators finished in second — behind the Crimson Tide.

Sports

Florida falls short of 10th Southeastern Conference title

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Mar. 23, 2014

After a record-breaking regular season, No. 1 Florida couldn’t clinch the 2014 Southeastern Conference Championship title.

Hannah Rogers pitches during Florida’s 8-0 win against Indiana on Feb. 21 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Crimson Tide hurler blanks Gators in rubber game

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Mar. 23, 2014

No. 1 Florida saw Jaclyn Traina in the circle Friday when its three-game series against No. 9 Alabama began. She gave up only two hits as UF lost 4-2.

Sports

Gators roll over Tide in 4-0 sweep

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Mar. 23, 2014

Despite struggles in doubles, No. 16 Florida won a Southeastern Conference showdown against Alabama 4-0.

Sports

Struggling offense proves good enough

By EDEN OTERO | Mar. 23, 2014

The struggle is real for Florida’s offense.

Scottie Wilbekin drives the lane Saturday in Florida's 61-45 victory over Pitt.

Sports

Wilbekin propels Florida past Pitt for Sweet 16 appearance

By LANDON WATNICK< | Mar. 22, 2014

ORLANDO — After Scottie Wilbekin failed to impress throughout his team’s lackluster win against No. 16 seed Albany on Thursday, the senior point guard took it as a personal challenge to elevate his game.

Patric Young, who finished with a season-high four blocks, guards Pitt's Josh Newkirk during Florida's 61-45 victory on Saturday.

Sports

Frontcourt propels Gators in win over Pitt

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Mar. 22, 2014

ORLANDO — In a game where he scored just seven points, missed eight of his 11 shots and went to the free-throw line only twice, Patric Young still found a way to be a dominant force for the Gators.

Sports

Florida opens series with win over Texas A&M

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Mar. 21, 2014

Florida (15-7, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) opened its first SEC road series with an extra-inning, 5-3 win against Texas A&M (15-8, 1-3 SEC) on Friday night at Blue Bell Park in College Station, Texas.

Sports

Florida rolls in SEC victory

By IAN COHEN | Mar. 21, 2014

After a dismal doubles performance against Georgia, Florida resolved to improve in that area heading into a long week of practice.

Sports

Gators cruise after clinching doubles point

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Mar. 21, 2014

Florida finished off Auburn with a clean 4-0 sweep Friday evening at the Ring Tennis Complex to push its Southeastern Conference record to 3-2.

Brett Morales pitches during Florida’s loss against Maryland on Feb. 15, 2014, at McKethan Stadium.

Sports

UF freshmen struggling early

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Mar. 20, 2014

A.J. Puk watched his cousin play against his adopted school Thursday afternoon.

Kelsey Stewart runs toward third base during Florida’s 6-0 win against Jacksonville on Feb. 19, 2014, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Gators look to leadoff hitter to stem the Tide

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Mar. 20, 2014

Following a midweek win against Central Connecticut State, No. 1 Florida (29-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) returns to SEC action when it starts a three-game home series against No. 9 Alabama (25-4, 6-0 SEC) tonight at 6 p.m.

Kourtney Keegan swings at the ball during Florida’s 7-0 win against Florida State on Feb. 18 at the Ring Tennis Complex.

Sports

Gators aim to rebound after loss against Bulldogs

By IAN COHEN | Mar. 20, 2014

Almost a week after dropping its first Southeastern Conference contest and third dual match on the road, Florida could use a win today when it travels to Auburn.

Senior Elizabeth Beisel competes in the 200-yard butterfly during Florida’s match against Auburn on Jan. 25 in the O’Connell Center. Beisel will compete in the 400 IM today.

Sports

UF in eighth after first day of NCAA Championships

By Logan McGuire | Mar. 20, 2014

Ten swimmers and two relays from the No. 8 Gators women’s swimming and diving team competed in Day 1 of the NCAA Championships in Minneapolis, Minn., on Thursday. Despite setting three school records, the only finals appearance Florida made was in the 400-yard medley relay.

Mary-Sean Wilcox defends a shotduring UF’s win against Cincinnati on Feb. 23 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

Sports

Sophomore goalkeeper coming up big in limited playing time

By EDEN OTERO | Mar. 20, 2014

The final 10 minutes of a game can contain more pressure than the first 50 minutes combined for a goalkeeper.

Elliott Orkin attempts to hit the ball during his singles match against UNF on Jan. 22.

Sports

Florida preparing for home matchup with Auburn

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Mar. 20, 2014

Coach Bryan Shelton enjoys playing in front of the home crowd. He enjoys the energy and the school’s tennis fans.

Will Muschamp instructs players during Florida’s first open practice on March 19 at Sanders Practice Fields.

Sports

Florida opens spring practice after disappointing ‘13 season

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Mar. 19, 2014

It may be a little more than five months until college football season begins, but with March comes a chance for fans to get a glimpse of what their team will look like in the fall.

Jaterra Bonds looks to pass the ball during Florida’s 81-76 loss against Missouri on Feb. 20 in the O’Connell Center. UF will start the NCAA Tournament against Dayton on Sunday.

Sports

UF looks for NCAA redemption

By GORDON STREISAND< | Mar. 19, 2014

A momentary sense of relief washed over the Gators on Monday night.

Gators basketball seniors Scottie Wilbekin, Will Yeguete, Casey Prather and Patric Young embrace after leaving the floor of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for the last time during Florida’s 84-65 win against Kentucky on March 8.

Sports

UF fans should savor basketball team while they have the chance

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Mar. 19, 2014

Enjoy this, Gators fans.