Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida coach Billy Donovan will helm the U.S. men's junior basketball team at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Donovan's assistants will be Gonzaga head coach Mark Few and former UF assistant Shaka Smart.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Donovan to coach U18 national team in summer tournament

By JOHN BOOTHE | Apr. 17, 2012

Florida coach Billy Donovan has found a summer job.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Gators’ big boppers push team out of recent funk

By TOM GREEN | Apr. 17, 2012

Florida appears to finally be back on the right track.

Florida freshman midfielder Nicole Graziano checks Vanderbilt’s Brandi Byner during Saturday’s 17-5 win against the Commodores.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida’s defense draws praise with Northwestern match looming

By JOSH JURNOVOY< | Apr. 17, 2012

The Gators’ offense has gotten quite a bit of attention.

Kelsey Horton connects with a pitch in Florida's 5-2 win against Auburn on April 15, 2012. Horton hit a home run in Florida's 10-4 win against Missouri in the SEC Tournament final on Saturday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Moultrie, older Gators helping underclassmen in stretch run

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 17, 2012

Rounding the last turn, the Gators now have the finish line in sight. And with help from the veterans on the team, Florida has a chance to outsprint the competition.

Florida junior catcher Mike Zunino throws to first during a game against LSU on April 7. Zunino was ranked by ESPN’s Keith Law as the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect for this year’s MLB Draft.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators facing MLB distractions ahead of midweek game

Apr. 16, 2012

Kevin O’Sullivan knows it is coming. All he can do is handle what he has until that time comes.

Auburn's Caitlin Schultze is thrown out on a fielders choice (4-6) as Cheyenne Coyle throws to first during the top of the 4th inning, Sunday, April 15th, 2012.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Defense, pitching playing large role for third-ranked Florida

By JOE MORGAN | Apr. 16, 2012

The Gators have one of the best pitching rotations in the nation, and they have the numbers to prove it.

Florida coach Rhonda Faehn said she has taken a different approach this year with certain gymnasts to ensure that her team is ready for the postseason.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators gymnastics physically ready for NCAAs

By LANDON WATNICK< | Apr. 16, 2012

Staying durable for the long haul has been the theme all season for the Gators.

Florida senior Nassim Slilam hits a return against Andrew Adams of South Carolina on April 14. Slilam said it’s important for all of the Gators to play well at the same time.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators men’s tennis searching for solidity before SEC tourney; Embree wins SEC honor

By ELI MARGER | Apr. 16, 2012

One week, they masquerade as national title contenders. The next, they play like pretenders.

Florida track and field athlete Keely Medeiros tosses the shot put during the 2009 SEC Championships. She set a new personal best on Saturday.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Medeiros posts personal best in shot put at Seminole Invitational

By KATIE AGOSTIN< | Apr. 16, 2012

Florida’s track and field team is coming off a rare break. However, senior thrower Keely Medeiros was the one exception.

Florida starting pitcher Brian Johnson throws against LSU on April 5. Johnson started Sunday’s game, throwing six scoreless innings while also driving in three runs at the plate. UF won 8-1.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Johnson lifts Gators with arm, bat in series-clinching win

Apr. 15, 2012

During its recent slump, Florida has struggled with starting pitching and stranding runners. On Sunday, junior Brian Johnson made sure both problems were taken care of.

Sophomore Hannah Rogers throws during a 4-1 victory against Auburn last season. Rogers is working on lowering her ERA early in 2013.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Rogers throws complete game, helps Florida sweep Auburn

By JOE MORGAN | Apr. 15, 2012

The Gators started slow at the plate this weekend, but their pitching was good from start to finish.

Florida center Patric Young embraces guard Brad Beal during the team’s Sweet 16 meeting with Marquette in 2012.

NEWS | CAMPUS

The Rally: Does Beal’s departure for NBA Draft cripple Florida?

By JOHN BOOTHE | Apr. 15, 2012

JOHN: In a span of five days last week, the Gators lost their most experienced assistant coach and the entire 2011 recruiting class to the lure of more familiar pastures and greener wallets.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Unexpected cause for UF baseball’s unexpected struggles

By TOM GREEN | Apr. 15, 2012

Something is still amiss with Karsten Whitson.

Florida junior attacker Kitty Cullen drives toward goal against Detroit on Feb. 26. Cullen returned from a concussion and scored a team-high five goals in the Gators’ 17-5 win against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Florida eyeing regular-season finale matchup with Northwestern

By JOSH JURNOVOY< | Apr. 15, 2012

The Gators are on a collision course with the nation’s top team.

Florida coach Roland Thornqvist (right) congratulates junior Sofie Oyen (left) and former Gator Allie Will (back) during a match against Duke on March 14, 2012.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators entering SEC Tournament as champs, No. 1 seed

By ELI MARGER | Apr. 15, 2012

When looking at the history of women’s tennis in the Southeastern Conference, there is one very clear truth that sticks out — the Gators have a monopoly on the sport.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators baseball strands 12 on bases in loss to Volunteers

By TOM GREEN | Apr. 14, 2012

Vickash Ramjit was one swing away from clinching the weekend series for Florida.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Slilam, UF men's tennis overpower South Carolina; women clinch SEC regular season title

By ELI MARGER | Apr. 14, 2012

After a brief ceremony honored his career at Florida, Nassim Slilam took the court in doubles for the final time. The result probably wasn’t how the senior envisioned it.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Slilam leads Gators to Senior Day win; UF women finish perfect SEC season

By ELI MARGER | Apr. 14, 2012

After a brief ceremony honored his career at Florida, Nassim Slilam took the court in doubles for the final time.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Haeger nearly throws no-hitter in Gators softball's 3-1 win against Tigers

Apr. 14, 2012

Through 6.1 innings, Lauren Haeger had a no-hitter. Then, Auburn's Caitlin Jordan spoiled the fun.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Cullen, Gilroy combine for nine goals in Florida lacrosse's victory against Vandy

Apr. 14, 2012

Florida defeated Vanderbilt in a low-scoring tight game in Nashville in 2011.