Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Linebacker Scooby Williams celebrates with defensive back Tre’Vez Johnson, who brought in a clutch interception during Florida’s win over South Florida Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators tested by South Florida ahead of third top-25 opponent this season

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 19, 2022

Florida avoided a disastrous upset against USF Sept. 17. The Gators defeated the Bulls 31-28 despite their defense giving up 286 rushing yards and redshirt sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson throwing two interceptions. The old adage — one UF is currently living by — is that an ugly win is still a win.

Sara Dahlstrom fires an forehead return against LSU on Feb. 26, 2021. Dahlstrom is the lone junior on the 2022 women's tennis roster. She is one of only three upperclassmen.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Florida women’s tennis roster preview

By Zachary Curtin | Sep. 19, 2022

An in depth look at the inner workings of the Gator’s women’s tennis roster ahead of their first event of the fall season, the Lubbock 15k tournament.

Florida head coach Billy Napier during the No. 18 Gators narrow victory over the South Florida Bulls Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators escape upset with narrow victory over South Florida

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 17, 2022

No. 18 Florida defeated South Florida 31-28 to avoid a disastrous upset Saturday night. Despite allowing more than 400 yards in offense, the Gators would survive to see an above .500 record once more. The Bulls missed a 48-yard field goal which would've sent the game into overtime.

Florida freshman Lauren McCloskey throws the ball into play against the South Florida Bulls Sept. 1, 2022.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida soccer drops SEC opener to Tennessee despite late comeback attempt

By Jackson Reyes | Sep. 17, 2022

The Gators lost Friday night’s match to the Volunteers 2-1. UF sophomore forward Maddy Pirrello was a bright spot for Florida as she became the 25th player in program history to score her first goal in her first start.

Florida's Merritt Beason lays down a kill during a game against Texas A&M on Oct. 16, 2021. Beason laid down a career-high 18 kills against South Carolina, leading the Gators to their first road SEC win of the season.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 16 Florida upsets No. 4 Wisconsin in front of largest regular-season crowd ever

By Brandon Hernandez | Sep. 17, 2022

A career night for sophomore outside hitter Merritt Beason propelled Florida to a massive road win. The Gators defeated the No. 4 Wisconsin Badgers in a dramatic five-set match.

Florida head coach Billy Napier during Gator Walk prior to his team's game against Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators looks for rebound against South Florida following Kentucky loss

By Topher Adams | Sep. 16, 2022

Last year, Anthony Richardson wowed the country with his highlight plays against South Florida. This year, he and the Gators face the Bulls again, looking to build from last week’s loss to the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Florida volleyball team celebrates during a match against the Virginia Cavaliers Aug. 27, 2021.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 16 Florida sweeps rival Florida State in Sunshine Showdown

By Ethan Eibe | Sep. 14, 2022

The No.16 Gators completed multiple comebacks to sweep the Florida State Seminoles in front of a rowdy crowd Tuesday night. Florida will now prepare for an away match at No. 4 Wisconsin Friday night.

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson threw two costly interceptions against the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida shows inexperience and growing pains in Kentucky loss

By Topher Adams | Sep. 12, 2022

“With these things comes opportunity if you have the right attitude and approach,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said. The Gators showed their youth and need for growth in a disappointing loss to divisional rivals Kentucky.

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask drops back to pass against the Auburn Tigers Oct. 5, 2019. Trask is now a member of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Keeping up with Kyle Trask

By Michael Hull | Sep. 11, 2022

AlligatorSports Podcast host Michael Hull sat down with former Florida quarterback and current Buccaneer Kyle Trask to talk about his time at UF, the adjustment to the NFL, Anthony Richardson and more.

Redshirt freshman midfielder Oakley Rasmussen shoots against South Florida Sept. 1, 2021.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators concede late goal, lose final non-conference match of the season

By Jackson Reyes | Sep. 11, 2022

UF fell to 2-5-0 on the season after its 2-1 loss to ECU Sunday afternoon. Florida finished with 18 shots and five on target, but it failed to find a late goal to salvage a draw. The Gators were assessed 14 fouls — which proved to be their achilles heel in the closing moments.

Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key catches a 55-yard touchdown pass over Florida defensive back Jalen Kimber during the Gators' 26-16 loss to the Wildcats Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida falls flat, drops conference opener to No. 20 Kentucky

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 10, 2022

No. 20 Kentucky silenced the Florida hype as quickly as it started Saturday night, defeating the Gators 26-16. Both teams made a plethora of mistakes, but it was the Wildcats who prevailed regardless. With the win, UK has now beaten Florida in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1976-1977.

Freshman setter Alexis Stucky serves against Virginia Aug. 27, 2022.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators volleyball rounds out Sunshine Invitational with sweep over VCU

By Zachary Curtin | Sep. 10, 2022

The Gators defeated VCU sweeping all three sets Saturday. UF was led by junior setter Birdie Hendrickson, who alongside outside hitter AC Fitzpatrick and middle blocker Bre Kelley shut out the Rams in straight sets.

Outside hitter Marina Markova and middle blocker Gabrielle Essix rise above the net for a block against Virginia Aug. 27, 2022.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 16 Gators sweep FGCU in second game of Sunshine Invitational

By Ethan Eibe | Sep. 10, 2022

Florida volleyball completed its doubleheader sweep of Georgia Southern and Florida Gulf Coast Friday night without the help of star outside hitter Merritt Beason. Gators head coach Mary did not provide a timetable for Beason’s return.

Junior safety Jadarrius Perkins during Florida's upset of Utah Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Kentucky poses new threat to Gators in week two

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 9, 2022

After exceeding expectations week one, the Gators must prove they aren’t a one-hit-wonder against No. 20 Kentucky.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No.16 Florida volleyball back in the win column, sweeps Georgia Southern

By Brandon Hernandez | Sep. 9, 2022

Florida volleyball defeated Georgia Southern in sweeping fashion to start the Sunshine Invitational at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Friday. The Gators showcased a defensive masterclass in the early match to start the weekend, blocking the Eagles 11 times and preventing them from ever holding a lead in the first two sets.

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis throws a pass during the Wildcats game against Miami (Ohio) Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Jack Weaver | Kentucky Kernel

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Know Your Enemy: Kentucky Wildcats

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 8, 2022

Know Your Enemy returns with a look at this weekends game between No. 12 Florida and No. 20 Kentucky. Cole Parke, sports editor of the Kentucky Kernel, fields questions from the Alligator's sports editor Joseph Henry.

A Florida bag at Mark Bostick Golf Club in Gainesville, Florida. UF took home the hardware with a 21-under-par team performance at the Fighting Irish Classic.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men’s golf wins season opener: The Fighting Irish Classic

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Sep. 7, 2022

Florida men’s golf won its season opener at the Fighting Irish Classic tournament this past weekend. The Gators finished the weekend 21-under-par.

Florida head coach Billy Napier greeting fans during Gator Walk Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida ranked No.12 in this week’s AP top 25

By Topher Adams | Sep. 6, 2022

Florida jumped to No. 12 in the AP top 25 following Saturday’s win over the Utah Utes. It’s the largest rise for an unranked team in the AP Poll since 2016.

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson on the sidelines during the Gators’ 42-20 win over South Florida on Sept. 11, 2021. Richardson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week Monday afternoon.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Richardson and Cox Jr. receive SEC honors for week one performances

By Topher Adams | Sep. 5, 2022

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson and edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. received SEC Player of the Week recognition after big performances in the Gators upset win over Utah Saturday.

Florida junior defender Josie Curtis throws the ball into play during the Gators' match against South Florida Sept. 1, 2021.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators soccer bullied at home by in-state rivals Florida State

By Jose Tovar | Sep. 5, 2022

The No. 10 Seminoles dominated the Sunshine Showdown from kickoff to final whistle and handed Florida a 5-0 loss at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. The Gators had a flawed performance, totaling only three shots during the match and allowing four goals in the second half.