Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Sammi Burgess (2) drives to the net during Florida’s 21-5 win against Jacksonville on Feb. 12 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Burgess chose UF over several different schools.

SPORTS | FEATURES

Burgeoning star: Freshman attacker helps UF reload roster

By EDEN OTERO | Apr. 21, 2014

“Just close your eyes and tell me where you are.”

Bobby Poyner pitches during Florida’s 3-2 victory against Georgia on Saturday at McKethan Stadium. Poyner has a 3.99 ERA in 19 appearances in 2014.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida lineup changes

By ADAM PINCUS< | Apr. 21, 2014

Bobby Poyner watched most of Sunday’s finale from the dugout railing next to coach Kevin O’Sullivan and hitting coach Brad Weitzel. He was a day removed from striking out a career-high seven batters in four innings of relief.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Former UF center named NBA Defensive Player of the Year

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 21, 2014

In the absence of Derrick Rose this season, Joakim Noah has flourished for the Chicago Bulls.

Bridget Sloan performs on the uneven bars during UF’s 198.125 - 197.625 win over LSU during on Feb. 21. Sloan was named the 2014 NCAA uneven bars champion during individual competition Sunday.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Sloan wins uneven bars title on final day of NCAAs

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Apr. 20, 2014

After No. 1 Florida earned a share of its second-straight national title on Saturday, Bridget Sloan won a title of her own.

Outfielder Harrison Bader bats during Florida’s 4-0 win against Ole Miss on March 31, 2013, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida sweeps Georgia for first time since 2010 season

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 20, 2014

With fewer than 24 hours separating Florida’s first and final game of the series against Georgia, the Gators’ bats came on strong Saturday and stayed hot through Sunday’s afternoon contest.

Maria Torres hits the ball during the SunTrust Gator Women’s Golf Invitational on March 15.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Gators women’s golf team ties for 10th place at SECs

By EMILY COCHRANE< | Apr. 20, 2014

After a shortened first round of play Friday night, coach Emily Glaser concluded a release by saying, “You never know what can happen.”

Brianna Morgan swings at the ball during Florida’s 4-0 win against Harvard on Jan. 26 at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Gators fall to Aggies, fail to reach SEC Tournament semifinals

By IAN COHEN | Apr. 20, 2014

Florida set a new record on Friday, but it was probably one it is not too proud of.

Harrison Bader slides into home during Florida’s 14-5 win against South Carolina on April 13, 2013. Bader and the Gators will look to sweep Georgia in their final matchup Sunday at noon.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida captures two wins Saturday, look to sweep series Sunday

By ADAM PINCUS< | Apr. 19, 2014

John Sternagel raised his finger to the sky as he rounded first base. He did it again once he crossed home plate. The freshman just delivered a one-run lead by sending a baseball into the tan glove of a fan standing in the left-field bleachers.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Gators defeat Wildcats, capture ALC title outright

By EDEN OTERO | Apr. 19, 2014

In a season where only two seniors were left and 11 freshmen dominated the roster, Florida players had something to prove to lacrosse fans and division I college lacrosse teams across the nation.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Gators to face Aggies in finals

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Apr. 19, 2014

After a hard fought win against Vanderbilt on Saturday in a three hour match, the Florida Gators stay alive in the Southeastern Conference tournament and head to the finals to take on the Texas A&M Aggies for the first time since 2011.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Gators earn spot in conference tournament semifinals

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Apr. 19, 2014

In their first day of the SEC tournament, the Florida Gators defeated the LSU Tigers in a clean 4-0 sweep to place them in the conference tournament semifinals.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Gators aim to capture first conference title since 2008

By EMILY COCHRANE< | Apr. 17, 2014

After a shaky season, the Gators begin postseason play today during the 2014 Southeastern Conference Women’s Golf Championship.

Taylor Schwarz bats during Florida’s 8-0 win against Indiana on Feb. 22 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Schwarz is batting .281 and has six home runs in 45 games this season.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

First baseman surging during Gators’ six-game win streak

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Apr. 17, 2014

Taylor Schwarz is on a hot streak.

Justine McLean bats during Florida’s 2-0 win against Ole Miss on March 9 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Freshmen integrating well into established Gators roster

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Apr. 16, 2014

Florida surprised many in 2013.

Sammi Burgess attempts a shot during Florida's 18-7 win against High Point on Feb. 15 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Burgess, the ALC Rookie of the Week, scored a career-high four goals against Vanderbilt on Sunday.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Freshman aiming to continue hot streak

By EDEN OTERO | Apr. 16, 2014

Having a “hot hand” or being “on fire” is not actually a thing. The same goes for being cold or in a slump.

Tampa Bay goalie Anders Lindback (39) makes a save as Montreal winger Max Pacioretty (67) looks for a rebound during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series in Tampa.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Playoff hockey is worth watching

By GORDON STREISAND< | Apr. 16, 2014

Hockey is effing great. It’s full of cool stuff.

Eddie Lovett leaps over a hurdle during an NCAA East Preliminary Round in Greensboro, N.C., on May 24, 2013. Lovett played with former UF safety Matt Elam in high school.

SPORTS | FEATURES

On track: Lovett focuses on track to become SEC Champion

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Apr. 16, 2014

Walking onto the UF campus his freshman year, Eddie Lovett didn’t see track and field as his future.

Senior Elizabeth Beisel competes in the 200-yard butterfly during Florida’s match against Auburn on Jan. 25 in the O’Connell Center. Beisel listened to EDM and rap before races this season to get pumped up.

SPORTS | FEATURES

Getting ready: Florida swimmers share pre-race routines

By Logan McGuire | Apr. 15, 2014

Every race is unique.

Taylor Gushue bats during Florida’s 3-1 win against FSU on March 18 at McKethan Stadium. Gushue was a second-team All-American in 2014 after batting a career-high .318

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida finishes road trip with victory over Florida Gulf Coast

By ADAM PINCUS< | Apr. 15, 2014

The Gators had their work cut out for them two weeks ago. An eight-game road trip that included three top-10 teams awaited them.

Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots during Washington’s 104-91 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Brewer scores career-high 51

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 15, 2014

Prior to Friday night, Corey Brewer had never scored more than 29 points in an NBA game. During his three-year tenure at Florida under Billy Donovan, Brewer topped out at 26 points.