sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Nicole DeWitt bats during UF's 2-1 win against UNF on April 1, 2015, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Gators offense shut out by Knights in 1-0 loss on Wednesday

By Mark Stine | Apr. 5, 2018

With a runner on second, UCF catcher Cassady Brewer swung at the first pitch she saw.

Sports

Gators gymnastics practices through Easter to prepare for NCAA Regionals

By Alana Gomez | Apr. 5, 2018

The atmosphere in Florida’s practice gym on Wednesday was as normal as any other day this spring.

Tight end C'yontai Lewis caught seven passes for 42 yards and a touchdown last season for the Gators.

Sports

Scott happy with progression of Lewis and Stephens, wants to see more from Gamble

By Jake Dreilinger | Apr. 5, 2018

Florida tight ends coach Larry Scott hasn’t been pleased with his unit so far this spring.

Third baseman Jonathan India went 2 for 5 with four RBIs in UF's 6-1 victory over Texas at the College World Series Tuesday. He gave the Gators a five-run lead with a three-run homer in the sixth inning.

Sports

Notebook: Horvath a popular guy, India maintains hitting streak, Gators in MLB

By Justin Ahlum | Apr. 5, 2018

Horvath continuing breakout season

UF head coach Dan Mullen shared his team weapons policy at UF Media Day on Thursday. "I have a no-weapons policy, but it’s not like you’re not allowed to have a gun," he said.

Sports

What the hell does “Herky-Jerky” mean?

By Jake Dreilinger | Apr. 5, 2018

I’ve heard my fair share of what I like to call “coach speak” over the past couple of years covering UF sports.

Center fielder Nick Horvath hit a three-run homer during Florida's win over FGCU Tuesday night.

Sports

Florida rolls past FGCU behind unlikely contributors

By Morgan McMullen | Apr. 4, 2018

After sweeping No. 8 Vanderbilt at home on Sunday, the No. 1 Gators (26-5, 7-2 SEC) stayed at McKethan Stadium to face off against Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday. Florida — coming off a 26-run outburst against the Commodores over the three-game series — continued its dominant ways en route to an 8-4 win over the Eagles (22-6).

Senior Shayna Pirreca and her sister, Sydney, led UF to victory over Colorado in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday with a combined seven goals.

Sports

After blowout victory over Connecticut, Florida ready to face Temple

By Tyler Nettuno | Apr. 4, 2018

Senior attacker Shayna Pirreca described the Florida lacrosse team’s victory over Connecticut on Saturday as a chance for a “fresh start.” If the 21-8 dismantling of the Huskies was an indication of how focused the Gators are heading into their final six games, then the Big East has been warned.

Running back Adaius Lemons broke off several long runs in Florida's scrimmage on Friday.

Sports

Mullen reflects on Friday's ‘herky-jerky’ scrimmage

By Benjamin Brandt | Apr. 3, 2018

Dan Mullen takes delight in the details.

Kelly Barnhill has gained an appreciation for other cultures through traveling for softball tournaments.

Sports

FROM GEORGIA TO JAPAN: Kelly Barnhill is pursuing gems beyond the softball diamond

By Mari Faiello | Apr. 3, 2018

It’s a quiet morning in the summer of 2016 as Kelly Barnhill walks the streets of Takasaki, Japan.

Right fielder Wil Dalton went 4 for 5 on Friday in Florida's 13-5 win over Columbia at the Gainesville Regional. He nearly hit the cycle but was thrown out sliding into third base.

Sports

Florida’s Jonathan India is getting plenty of attention, but don’t forget about Wil Dalton

By Ethan Bauer | Apr. 3, 2018

Jonathan India gets most of the fanfare. And for good reason.

Freshman Lauren Waidner notched a hole-in-one during the SunTrust Gator Invitational in Gainesville on March 10.

Sports

UF golfer's hole-in-one taken in stride

By Chris O'Brien | Apr. 1, 2018

Lauren Waidner prepared to tee off at the 11th hole of the Mark Bostick Golf Course on March 10.

Shortstop Sophia Reynoso went 3-for-6 from the plate in Saturday's games against Jacksonville and Hampton.

Sports

Florida softball looks forward to team bonding in away game stretch

By Mari Faiello | Apr. 1, 2018

It’s cliché to say that in most college athletic programs, your teammates become your family. But for Florida’s softball team, it’s exactly that kind of mentality that helps its program succeed when it faces long road-game stretches.

Coach Roland Thornqvist credited the Commodores after they beat Florida 4-0 in the finals match of the SEC Tournament on Sunday. “(Vanderbilt) was better today and sometimes that just happens," he said.

Sports

Florida women’s tennis team shut out by Texas at USTA Campus

By River Wells | Apr. 1, 2018

If the Florida women’s tennis team was expecting an ordinary contest walking into its match against Texas at the USTA Campus on Easter Sunday, it was sorely mistaken.

Senior Lloydricia Cameron is heading to the NCAA Outdoor Championship for the third-consecutive year.

Sports

Four UF seniors record wins at Florida Relays to cap off Senior Day

By Alanis Thames | Apr. 1, 2018

Lloydricia Cameron waited four years to hear her name called over the speakers at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Junior attacker Lindsey Ronbeck returned from an injury in Florida's 21-8 win over UConn.

Sports

Ronbeck’s return helps Florida overcome recent offensive woes

By Tyler Nettuno | Apr. 1, 2018

The Gators have every reason to be happy. The team remains undefeated in conference play, and its only three losses of the season came against ranked opponents.

Former UF kicker Eddy Pineiro was one of 18 players who participated in Florida's pro day on Wednesday.

Sports

Spring Camp Roundup: Week 3

By Andrew Huang | Apr. 1, 2018

Week 3 of spring practices saw a couple new developments for Florida’s football team.

Senior McClain Kessler wrapped up his fall season with a doubles loss in the Round of 16 at the Dick Vitale Clay Court Classic.

Sports

Florida men’s tennis upset by South Carolina in dramatic matchup

By Dylan Rudolph | Apr. 1, 2018

McClain Kessler had no energy left to give as he walked off Court 6 of the Carolina Tennis Center.

Florida third baseman Jonathan India extended his hitting streak to 15 games during UF's 8-2 win over Vanderbilt on Sunday. The junior blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Sports

Florida sweeps Vandy, India continues hitting streak

By Morgan McMullen | Apr. 1, 2018

The outcome between No. 2 Florida and No. 8 Vanderbilt on Sunday at McKethan Stadium had become nothing more than a sideshow. Even though it was still a ballgame — just 5-2 in Florida’s favor in the bottom of the fourth — everyone’s focus was solely on UF third baseman Jonathan India.

Freshman Natalie Lugo logged her first career start Saturday against Hampton.

Sports

Florida’s softball team finishes weekend against non-conference opponents with four wins

By Mari Faiello | Apr. 1, 2018

Split-second decisions can make the difference in any kind of outcome.

Senior KeAndre Bates notched the second-longest triple jump in the nation Saturday at the Pepsi Florida Relays.

Sports

Gators thrive off crowd energy on final day of Florida Relays

By Alanis Thames | Mar. 31, 2018

KeAndre Bates had the crowd banging its hands together.