Kenny Boynton carried the painful memories for a year, all the while waiting for this shot.
The only thing that stood between Florida and its first College World Series title last season was South Carolina — a team that has had the Gators’ number recently.
Kytra Hunter could have backed down against the Southeastern Conference’s experienced heavyweights. She could have let the most intense environment she had faced in her young college career intimidate her.
Last year, Michelle Moultrie set the bar. Halfway through this season, she has raised it.
Caroline Hitimana’s run of perfection ended Sunday, but her undefeated singles record remained intact.
PHOENIX – As Peyton Siva, Kyle Kuric and Russ Smith celebrated, jumping up and down on the US Airways Center floor and donning T-Shirts and hats emblazoned with the words “Final Four,” Brad Beal, Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton fought back tears.
As a team primed for the long haul, No. 1 Florida kicked off its postseason on the highest note possible.
With one ninth-inning at-bat, Nolan Fontana made everyone forget about his, and the Gators’, struggles against the Gamecocks — at least for the moment.
There were 15 runners competing for Florida on Saturday at the UCF Invitational, however it was a thrower who led the pack.
PHOENIX – In the waning moments of his freshman season, Brad Beal was given an opportunity to extend it.
Following a first-half defensive battle, the Gators were looking to take control.
For only the fourth time this season, Florida ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. However, at the end of the day, the Gators escaped, winning 3-2.
For all intents and purposes, it took longer to get Friday night’s game between No. 1 Florida and No. 8 South Carolina started than it did to decide a winner. Beginning at 7 p.m., Carolina Stadium sat empty and wet for the better part of 84 minutes — hampered by a rain delay.
As counter-intuitive as it may sound, success and failure for the Gators begins at the bottom.
The Hogs were able to escape the first two innings without giving up a single run to the No. 3 Gators. However, when the lineup came around for the second time, Florida (27-2, 8-1 Southeastern Conference) piled on the runs.
PHOENIX – For the past month, Patric Young has become used to playing like his shoes are cemented to the paint.
The outdoor season has official begun for the Gators. At the UCF Invitational, the Florida men’s weight throwers were quick to make an impression.
In the 200 IM, the winner’s circle was only big enough for one Marcin.
PHOENIX — Marquette slapped, pushed and attempted to manhandle Florida; Florida defended, frustrated and outhustled Marquette.
Florida fans need to cherish every moment of this NCAA Tournament run, because it’s the last time they’ll see Brad Beal in a Gators uniform.
Solutions by The State News
