Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Taylor Unroe celebrates after a point in UF’s 3-0 win against College of Charleston on Dec. 1.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

UF libero Taylor Unroe key against high-powered Texas Longhorns

By JOE MORGAN | Dec. 4, 2012

In Texas, they don’t mess with Taylor Unroe.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Freshman returns to team, sparks UF victory with all-around play

Dec. 4, 2012

For freshman Sydney Moss, the past week involved grieving and thousands of miles of plane rides.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Florida fans can’t afford bad showing in New Orleans

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Dec. 4, 2012

We’ve all received the emails. The ones that were unfathomable a little more than three years ago.

Florida forward Will Yeguete attempts a shot against Georgetown forward Otto Porter (22) aboard the USS Bataan in Jacksonville on Nov. 9.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators basketball focused on avoiding letdown against Seminoles after hot start

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Dec. 4, 2012

Through six games this season, the Gators are doing more than just winning. Not only does Florida boast a 6-0 record, but it has won each game by an average margin of 25.3 points — more than double last year’s 10.9.

Senior T.J. Vogel will lead Florida into the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, where it will face SEC foes No. 2 Alabama, No. 17 LSU and No. 24 Mississippi State.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Out of the Rough: Confidence key to senior transfer’s success

By CHARLES KINGSBURY | Dec. 3, 2012

Before every round and every practice, T.J. Vogel takes a Sharpie pen to his Titleist golf ball and marks four letters that signify his mother’s enduring message.

Forward Erik Murphy (33) shoots during Florida’s 58-40 win against Savannah State on Nov. 20 in the O’Connell Center.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Forward Erik Murphy could miss game vs. FSU

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Dec. 3, 2012

Coach Billy Donovan may have to once again test out a new starting lineup.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UL coach Charlie Strong has UF ties

By ADAM PINCUS | Dec. 3, 2012

When Florida takes on Louisville 29 days from now, Will Muschamp will see a familiar face on the opposite sideline — former Gators defensive coordinator Charlie Strong.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

BCS sham in need of playoff

By JOE MORGAN | Dec. 3, 2012

You don’t need an on-air rant by ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit to know that Sunday night’s BCS Selection Show was a complete joke.

Fired Kentucky coach Joker Phillips, top, is carried off the field after UK’s 34-3 win against Samford on Nov. 17 in Lexington, Ky. Phillips was hired on Monday to coach Florida’s wide receivers.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Former Kentucky coach hired to lead Florida receivers

By GREG LUCA | Dec. 3, 2012

Joker Phillips has been hired as Florida’s wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, the school announced on Monday. Phillips will begin recruiting on Friday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Florida’s late-game struggles continue in loss to Michigan

Dec. 2, 2012

Before the Gators begin winning games consistently, they must learn to finish.

Freshman guard Michael Frazier II attempts a layup during UF’s 101-71 win against Nebraska-Kearney on Nov. 1 in the O’Connell Center. Frazier scored a team-high 17 points against Marquette on Thursday night.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Freshman Michael Frazier II shining offensively for Gators basketball

By LANDON WATNICK | Dec. 2, 2012

When Florida lined up against Marquette on Thursday night, the Gators needed someone to step up and provide a quick boost.

Coach Will Muschamp reacts to a call during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Muschamp led the Gators to an 11-1 record and a Sugar Bowl berth during his second season at the helm in Gainesville. Florida will play Louisville in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in New Orleans.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida earns bid to play Louisville in Sugar Bowl

By GREG LUCA | Dec. 2, 2012

Florida’s berth in the Sugar Bowl was a foregone conclusion, but its opponent was a mystery.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF men’s team suffers first setback at Ohio State Invitational

Dec. 2, 2012

On Sunday, the Florida men’s swimming and diving team finished without a victory for the first time this season.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 14 Florida earns Sweet 16 berth with sweep against College of Charleston

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Dec. 1, 2012

For the eighth year in a row, the Gators are among the final 16 teams alive in the NCAA Tournament.

Senior Jennifer George poses for photos during UF Media Day on Oct. 10. George racked up 15 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort against Michigan on Saturday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators unable to overcome shooting troubles in Ann Arbor

Dec. 1, 2012

Despite 15 points and nine rebounds from senior Jennifer George — a redemption game for her after struggling in a loss to Michigan last season — woeful shooting cost the Gators their second consecutive game.

Sophomore Madison Monserez (11) attempts a pass during UF’s 3-0 win against FIU on Aug. 24, 2012, in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Defense carries Florida against Tulsa in first round of NCAA Tournament

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Dec. 1, 2012

When it comes to defense, Madison Monserez keeps digging and digging.

Junior setter Taylor Brauneis (8) celebrates with her teammates during Florida’s 3-0 win against Arkansas on Oct. 5 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Two role players key for Gators award-winners

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Nov. 29, 2012

For the second time in school history, the Gators enter the NCAA Tournament with the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Patric Young attempts a shot during UF’s 82-49 win against Marquette on Thursday in the O’Connell Center. Young scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Patric Young shines as UF rides defense to win

By LANDON WATNICK | Nov. 29, 2012

Billy Donovan wanted to send Patric Young a message. Young heard him loud and clear.

Forward Jennifer George drives along the baseline during Florida’s 72-45 win against Belmont on Nov. 29, 2011, in the O’Connell Center.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators' Jennifer George looking for redemption

Nov. 29, 2012

Although Jennifer George was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2012, Big Blue still makes her see red.

Forward Jennifer George attempts a shot in Florida’s 84-65 win against Georgia State on Nov. 11 in the O’Connell Center. In order to improve three-point shooting, coach Amanda Butler wants the Gators to establish the paint more with post players such as George.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Florida women's basketball struggling from behind the arc

Nov. 28, 2012

The Gators have struggled from three-point range this season. But, much to the chagrin of coach Amanda Butler, that hasn’t stopped them from trying.