Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Pitcher Natalie Lugo throws before a game against Alabama April 18, 2021. The fifth-year senior dealt through two strikeouts during Florida's doubleheader with Ole Miss.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida softball loses series finale to Alabama

By Rachel Slay | Apr. 18, 2021

The Gators pulled off a series win but missed the sweep against Alabama.

The eight Gator seniors defended the ‘Diz on Senior Day with a total of 23 points.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida lacrosse wins the regular season AAC Championship on Senior Day

By Karina Wilson | Apr. 18, 2021

Shannon Kavanagh boasted seven goals in the Gators 22-9 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Rivera’s three-RBI game marked a career-high for the second-year freshman. Photo from UF-Jacksonville game March 13.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators sweep Missouri in Saturday’s series-closing double-header

By Grethel Aguila | Apr. 17, 2021

Gators defeat Missouri in Saturday’s double-header to complete the series sweep.

In the final rotation, Skaggs potentially ended her career on a high-note with a 9.9375.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Gators crash and burn on beam at NCAA Championships

By Zachary Huber | Apr. 17, 2021

Florida stumbled in NCAA Finals and finished fourth behind National Champion Michigan, Oklahoma and Utah after an undefeated regular season.

A toxic combination of wild pitches, fielding errors and eager Florida bats quickly became Alabama’s demise.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Lindaman grand slam helps Gators clinch series against Crimson Tide

By Rachel Slay | Apr. 17, 2021

Florida softball toppled No. 3 Alabama in a decisive 9-2 victory and secured the series.

Raymond Ekevwo was honored Friday for senior night at the Tom Jones Memorial

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Florida plays host to Tom Jones Memorial and senior day

By Myles Herbert | Apr. 17, 2021

Florida starts well as Tom Jones Memorial gets underway.

Kendrick Calilao prepares for a pitch against Jacksonville March 14

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators hold off Tigers after three-hour rain delay

By Ryan Haley | Apr. 17, 2021

A three hour rain delay forced Florida baseball later into the night than scheduled, but a six-run third inning let them sleep on a third straight win.

Elizabeth Hightower winds up toward home plate March 3 against Florida State. The senior made her return during a doubleheader Friday.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Hightower registers season-high strikeouts in win over Alabama

By Rachel Slay | Apr. 17, 2021

In a raucous rivalry match, Florida defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide Friday.

Sarah Reznick guards the net during a rainy conference affair against Vanderbilt 2021. She recorded nine saves in the quarterfinals matchup against Maryland.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Gators lacrosse drown the Vanderbilt Commodores

By Karina Wilson | Apr. 17, 2021

Attacker Brianna Harris led the No. 10 Gators offensively in their 17-7 win over the No. 20 Vanderbilt Commodores.

Trinity Thomas performs on the bars Jan. 29 vs Missouri. The junior standout returned from a six-week absence to lead Florida into the national championship

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Florida clings to second place to advance to NCAA Championship

By Zachary Huber | Apr. 17, 2021

Florida finishes second in NCAA semifinal to move on to the championship. The Gators will vye for their fourth National Championship versus Michigan, Utah and Oklahoma at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and can be seen on ABC.

Florida looks to win another home series again Mizzou. Photo from UF-Jacksonville game March 14.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida welcomes Mizzou after momentous rivalry win

By Griffin Foll | Apr. 16, 2021

After knocking off FSU in walk-off fashion Tuesday, the Gators look to pick up their sixth straight home series win this weekend against Missouri.

Outside hitter Thayer Hall celebrates in home match against Kentucky last season. This year, Hall was named to the All-SEC Preseason Team.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida advances to Sweet 16 versus Ohio State

By Zachary Huber | Apr. 15, 2021

The Gators swept the Eagles in their second round match. They advance to face the No. 9-seeded Buckeyes in the Sweet 16 Sunday.

Addie Baggarly's now 3-under-par for the tournament and ties for 22nd. Photo courtesy of the UAA.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Gators falter in second round of SEC Championship

By Michael Hull | Apr. 15, 2021

Florida’s mediocre first two rounds has them staring up at the leaders entering the final round of competition.

The team counts on Reed, the spark plug for this year’s Gators team, to keep the energy high. Photo from UF-Mizzou meet Jan. 29, 2021. Reed was nearly perfect on the vault Friday night, finishing with a 9.95.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Florida ready to shine at NCAA Championships

By Zachary Huber | Apr. 15, 2021

Florida faces California, Michigan and Minnesota in NCAA semifinal at 1 p.m. at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The meet can be seen on ESPN2.

Outfielder Mia Buffano darts towards third base against Florida State Mar. 3

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida demolished by UCF, suffers only second home loss of the season

By Noah Ram | Apr. 15, 2021

Chronister falters as Knights shutout Gators in stunning fashion in Gainesville.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida lacrosse prepares for top 20 matchup against Vanderbilt

By Karina Wilson | Apr. 15, 2021

The No. 10 Gators face adversity versus the No. 20 Vanderbilt Commodores who also boast a 6-0 conference record.

The Gators fall in five sets to the undefeated Wisconsin Badgers Monday afternoon. Photo from UF-Texas A&M game in 2019.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators battle Eagles in second round of NCAA Tournament

By Michael Hull | Apr. 15, 2021

Fresh off a first-round bye, the Gators take on the Morehead State Eagles in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday.

Athletic director Scott Stricklin plans for Florida athletics to have full capacity for fall sports in 2021

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida looks to have full capacity for fall sporting events

By Karina Wilson | Apr. 15, 2021

Scott Stricklin anticipates full capacity for fall UF sporting events.

Maisie Filler watches her drive in February at the Gators Invitational

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Gators in fourth after day one of SEC Championship

By Michael Hull | Apr. 15, 2021

The Gators are in a tie for fourth and sit seven shots back of the leader entering day two of the 2021 SEC Championship

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

Seniors pave way for Gators to overcome a two-point deficit

By Jesse Richardson | Apr. 14, 2021

Florida seniors McCartney Kessler and Ida Jarlskog extend win streaks to boost another Gators triumph.