sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Sports

UF cross country sweeps competition in Mountain Dew Invitational

Sep. 15, 2012

Florida gave its visiting teams a rude welcome Saturday afternoon.

Sports

Gators outlast weather delays, competition in tournament play

Sep. 14, 2012

Florida didn’t let rain affect their performance on the tennis court.

Sports

Double-digit kills help Gators earn comeback road victory

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Sep. 14, 2012

For the second straight match, No. 13 Florida bounced back from a first set deficit to capture another victory. But for the first time this year, the Gators needed all five sets to do it.

Sports

No. 22 Gators soccer drops SEC opener despite early lead

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN | Sep. 14, 2012

Through their first six games, the Gators had not received nor surrendered a penalty kick.

Sports

Picks Column: Tennessee

Sep. 13, 2012

Another week, another road trip for the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column.

Sports

Shelton bringing new values, goals to Florida’s program

Sep. 13, 2012

Raised in Alabama, new men’s tennis coach Bryan Shelton was instilled with the simple southern values he has kept with him all of his life.

Sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) escapes the pass rush during UF's 20-17 win on Saturday at Kyle Field.

Sports

Driskel, Bray bring different styles at quarterback

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 13, 2012

Florida will face a daredevil in Knoxville, Tenn.

Sports

Spangler bringing new attitude to Florida cross country

Sep. 13, 2012

First-year head coach Paul Spangler graduated from Alabama. He also received a master’s degree from Florida State. However, when the opportunity arose for the homegrown Florida boy to become the leader of UF’s cross country teams, he took advantage of it.

Midfielder Holly King (10) heads a ball during UF's 3-0 victory against Florida International University on Sept. 2. King works as an elementary school teacher at Levy County elementary school every Wednesday.

Sports

UF soccer aiming to score first, start fast

By LANDON WATNICK | Sep. 13, 2012

The Gators know the importance of an early lead.

Defensive end Dominique Easley takes on Tyler Bray and the Tennessee offense on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Florida has generated four sacks this season while the Volunteers have allowed just one.

Sports

Column: Gators’ pass rush will disappoint against Vols

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 12, 2012

When Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray takes his first snap on Saturday, Florida needs to get after him. The Gators’ pass rush — particularly the defensive line — has been quiet for too long.

Freshman linebacker Antonio Morrison (12) chases down Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (5) during UF's 20-17 victory against Texas A&M at Kyle Field.

Sports

Notebook: Receivers to test UF secondary; Morrison making strides

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 12, 2012

Florida cornerbacks have a tall task Saturday.

Sophomore cornerback back Marcus Roberson (5) pursues Bowling Green wide receiver Shaun Joplin (9) during UF's 27-14 victory on Sept. 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Florida aiming to force more turnovers against Tennessee

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 12, 2012

Florida’s biggest strength in 2011, its defense, had just one glaring weakness: forcing turnovers.

Sports

Monserez excels in new role for UF volleyball

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Sep. 12, 2012

For Maddy Monserez, the Active Ankle Challenge wasn’t just another three wins for the Gators. Instead, last weekend’s matches against Jacksonville, Louisiana-Lafayette and Georgia Tech were the first time that the sophomore played right back for Florida.

Florida sophomore forward Annie Speese (center) tied the Gators' game against New Mexico on Sept. 9 with a right-footed kick in the 50th minute. Speese tore her right ACL during Florida's loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.

Sports

UF soccer's Speese rebounding from ACL tear

By LANDON WATNICK | Sep. 12, 2012

Annie Speese’s phenomenal freshman season last year did not have a happy ending.

Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray attempts a pass as Dominique Easley applies pressure during Florida's game against the Volunteers Sept. 17, 2011. The Gators travel to Knoxville to face the top-ranked passing offense in the SEC on Saturday.

Sports

Volunteers striving to snap losing streak against Gators

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 12, 2012

The last time Tennessee beat Florida, Will Muschamp and Derek Dooley were co-workers at LSU. Muschamp served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Dooley was the special teams coordinator and coached the running backs. It was 2004.

Gators midfielder Holly King rooms with teammate Jo Dragotta. The chemistry from the seniors will help UF cope with the loss of All-American center back Kat Williamson.

Sports

Midfielders King, Dragotta assuming larger role for UF

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN | Sep. 11, 2012

With defender Kat Williamson out indefinitely due to a torn right meniscus, the Gators will look to a pair of seniors to anchor the defense.

Lerentee McCray gets by Jordon Roussos of Bowling Green at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the season opener Sept. 1. McCray took over the Buck position when Ronald Powell suffered a torn ACL in the spring game.

Sports

Column: Loss of Powell should not concern Gators defense

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 11, 2012

Florida has only four sacks in the season’s first two games and will be without 2011 sack leader Ronald Powell for the rest of the year, but it’s not time to panic just yet.

Tight end Jordan Reed (11) breaks a tackle during UF's 27-14 win against Bowling Green University on Sept. 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Reed growing into tight end role, leads Florida in receiving

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 11, 2012

Will Muschamp always wears his realistic glasses.

Offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison (72) blocks for sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during UF's 20-17 victory on Saturday against Texas A&M University at Kyle Field.

Sports

Pease: Line is UF’s strength

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 11, 2012

Texas A&M’s eight sacks against Florida on Saturday did not faze offensive coordinator Brent Pease. He believes the Gators’ offensive line is the “strength of the team.”

Taylor Brauneis sat out Friday's match against the Jacksonville Dolphins with a mild concussion. The junior played 255 of 257 sets dating back to her previous two years at Louisville.

Sports

Gators dealing with rash of injuries entering SEC play

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Sep. 11, 2012

For the Gators volleyball team, black and blue have become the unofficial team colors this season.