Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Stephen Curry celebrate during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on May 14, 2017, at Oracle Arena.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: The NBA playoffs have become boring as hell

By Dylan Dixon | May 16, 2017

I’ve always hated the WWE.

Mollie Stevens (17) and Sammi Burgess (2) embrace during Florida's 15-8 win against Denver on March 25, 2017, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

A look back on the 2017 Florida lacrosse season

By Jake Dreilinger | May 16, 2017

The Florida lacrosse team’s season came to an end on Sunday following a heartbreaking loss to USC – a team it beat earlier in the season – in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Gordon Neale crouches during round two of the SunTrust Gator Invitational on Feb. 21, 2016, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida sits in fifth after Round One of NCAA Regionals

By Justin Ahlum | May 16, 2017

With high expectations and the No. 1 seed in the region, all eyes were on the Gators as they began round one of the NCAA Regional at Kampen Golf Course in West Lafayette, Indiana. When Monday’s action concluded, Florida sat in a tie for fifth place after shooting a combined 4-over par.

Florida's lacrosse team huddles together during its 15-8 win against Denver on March 25, 2017, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Gators season cut short by heartbreaking loss to USC

By Jake Dreilinger | May 14, 2017

Kygo’s “Stole The Show” blasted around the arena as emotions ran high for the Gators.

Jonathan India signals to his teammates during Florida's 5-4 win against William & Mary on Feb. 17, 2017, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators complete sweep of 'Bama behind offensive outpour

By Dylan Dixon | May 14, 2017

The fans at Sewell-Thomas Stadium couldn’t help but applaud for Jonathan India.

Ingrid Neel returns a ball during Florida's 4-2 win over Oklahoma State on Feb. 18, 2017, at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Strong doubles play carries Gators into Round of 16

By Spencer Thompson | May 14, 2017

Tied at 40 all in the game and leading 5-0 in the match, Ingrid Neel stepped up to serve. With laser focus, the freshman struck the ball and delivered an ace, winning her doubles match 6-0 alongside partner Anna Danilina.

Junior McClain Kessler clinched the Round of 16 match for Florida over Ole Miss on Friday night, sending the Gators to the NCAA Quarterfinals.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

UF men's tennis sweeps first and second round opponents

By Mark Stine | May 13, 2017

Hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament, the UF men’s tennis team defeated both of its opponents in convincing fashion.

UF freshman Grant Holloway jumps at the Hokie Invitational men's long jump final on Jan. 21, 2017.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Gators wrap up SEC Outdoors, prepare for NCAA competition

By Andrew Huang | May 13, 2017

Sharrika Barnett nearly caught Texas A&M’s Jaevin Reed in the last leg of the women’s 4x400 meter relay, the final event of the three-day SEC Outdoors Competition.

Junior Anna Danilina hits a forehand during Florida's 4-2 win over Oklahoma State on Feb. 18, 2017, at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Gators blank Minutewomen in opening round of NCAA Tournament

By Spencer Thompson | May 13, 2017

Peggy Porter’s name hasn’t been called often. In fact, the Dallas, Texas, native’s only match this spring came in the season-opener against Depaul on Jan. 28. However, when she was put on court six during Saturday’s opening round of the NCAA Tournament, it looked like she hadn’t missed a beat. Porter’s 6-2, 6-3 win over Massachusetts’s Brittany Collens clinched the match for the Gators, giving them a 4-0 victory to begin tournament play.

UF attacker Mollie Stevens prepares to pass during Florida's 15-8 victory over Denver on March 25, 2017, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida lacrosse gearing up for NCAA Tournament

By Jake Dreilinger | May 13, 2017

Last year’s postseason loss is still in the back of Florida’s mind.

UF sprinter Kunle Fasasi races in the 400-meter dash during the Florida Relays on April 1, 2016, at the Percy Beard Track.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Cameron wins shot put title, Gators roll on Day Two

By Andrew Huang | May 13, 2017

After a half-hour rain delay that featured two PSAs from announcers alerting fans that a Ford Fusion and Nissan Maxima had left their lights on in the stadium parking lot, junior Lloydricia Cameron came through for the Gators.

Kayli Kvistad hit a home run against Missouri that would give Florida the lead for good.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Gators fall to Ole Miss in SEC Tournament quarterfinals

By Cassie Amundson | May 11, 2017

Ole Miss right fielder Kylan Becker raced to first base after her decent hit headed straight towards Gators third baseman Aleshia Ocasio. To those watching, it seemed like it would be an easy out for Florida.

Alex Faedo (left), Kevin O'Sullivan (center) and Mike Rivera convene at the mound during Florida's 1-0 win against LSU on March 24, 2017, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators look to rebound from loss to USF this weekend

By Dylan Dixon | May 11, 2017

Kevin O’Sullivan has been around the block long enough to know that anything can happen in the game of baseball.

Maria Torres watches her shot during the SunTrust Gator Invitational on March 11, 2017, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida claims share of first place in NCAA Regional

By Morgan McMullen | May 11, 2017

Kelly Grassel would not be denied.

Kelly Barnhill pitches during Florida's 5-0 win over Georgia on April 8, 2017, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

UF softball ready to kick off SEC Tournament against Ole Miss

By Skyler Lebron | May 11, 2017

After a season-long conference grind, the No. 1 Florida softball team is preparing for an opportunity to become SEC Tournament champions.

Coach Mike Holloway's men's (No. 1) and women's (No. 4) indoor teams will look to capitalize on a fast start to their seasons. “We always talk about leaving your failures (and) successes in the building,” Holloway said. “Our mindset is always that we’re just trying to get better.”

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Holloway leads Gators track and field into SEC Outdoor Championships

By Andrew Huang | May 11, 2017

Mike Holloway is no stranger to success. Holloway, a UF graduate, has been involved with the Florida track and field team for 21 years.

UF men's tennis coach Bryan Shelton looks on during Florida's 4-2 win against UCLA on Feb. 5, 2017, at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

UF men's tennis gears up to host NCAA Tournament

By Mark Stine | May 11, 2017

Florida coach Bryan Shelton had a fantastic career at Georgia Tech.

Belinda Woolcock serves during Florida's 4-2 win over Oklahoma State on Feb. 18, 2017, at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Gators hungry to avenge losses in NCAA tournament

By Spencer Thompson | May 11, 2017

Entering the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed in the field, senior Belinda Woolcock only has one word to describe what she and the Florida women’s tennis team feels like.

Nick Horvath delivers a pitch to home plate during Florida's 3-2 loss to Tennessee on April 8, 2017, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida's pitchers unable to find strike zone in loss to USF

By Dylan Dixon | May 10, 2017

Following a two-week span where absolutely nothing could go wrong for Kevin O’Sullivan and his players, the Florida baseball team came crashing back down to reality on Tuesday night.

Kelly Grassel lines up a shot during the 2015 SunTrust Gator Invitational at UF's Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Gators close out second day of regional play in first place

By Morgan McMullen | May 9, 2017

The Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio, has been giving golfers trouble through the first two days of the NCAA Columbus Regional.