Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Picks Column: Week 10

Nov. 3, 2016

Site: Razorback Stadium (cap: 72,000)

Melanie Monteagudo (far right) heads the ball into the net during Florida's 6-0 win over Alabama on Oct. 20, 2016, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida to face No. 2 South Carolina in SEC Tournament semifinals

By Dylan Dixon | Nov. 3, 2016

With Florida’s biggest game of the season on the line Wednesday night, Melanie Monteagudo stood nervously at midfield hoping the fate of the contest wouldn’t come down to her.

UF’s Justin Leon drives toward the basket during Florida’s 95-63 win against Auburn on Jan. 23, 2016, in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Leon, Hayes looking to become impact players

By Ray Boone | Nov. 3, 2016

With tired legs and a sweat-soaked jersey, Justin Leon approached the free-throw line with the weight of the team on his shoulders.

UF coach Mary Wise talks with her players during Florida's 3-1 win over Marshall on Sept. 17, 2016, in the Lemerand Athletic Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida volleyball sweeps Georgia, Wise earns 400th SEC win

By Skyler Lebron | Nov. 3, 2016

With the Florida Volleyball team leading 14-9 in the second set, coach Mary Wise decided to utilize her bench, something that has become more important as the long Southeastern Conference season progresses.

Belinda Woolcock returns a ball during a ball during Florida's win against South Florida on Jan. 27 at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Women’s tennis duo preparing for National Indoor Championships

By Cassie Amundson | Nov. 3, 2016

Josie Kuhlman and Belinda Woolcock smiled as they began to stretch before practice Monday afternoon. And why wouldn’t they?

UF forward Savannah Jordan takes a shot on goal during Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Soccer star setting records, prepping for final postseason run

By Lauren Staff | Nov. 3, 2016

The first weekend she stepped onto the field at James G. Pressly Stadium as a freshman, Savannah Jordan scored five goals.

Bryan Cox tackles Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason during Florida's 24-10 win over UGA on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defensive line dominating halfway through season

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 3, 2016

Nobody knows exactly what happened.

UF forward/midfielder Melanie Monteagudo dribbles down the field during Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida advances to SEC Tournament semifinals after penalty kick shootout

By Lauren Staff | Nov. 2, 2016

The game went to a penalty kick shootout. It came down to sophomore Melanie Monteagudo, who was able to get her kick past Missouri's goalkeeper, advancing Florida to the SEC Semifinals on Wednesday night.

UF coach Mary Wise calls out to setter Mackenzie Dagostino during Florida's 3-1 loss to Kentucky on Sept. 27, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Toughness a key component of No. 6 Florida’s success

By Skyler Lebron | Nov. 1, 2016

Through the first 22 matches of the season, toughness has been the driving force for Florida’s promising start.

Spencer Liang returns a ball during the 2016 ITA Regional Championships in October at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Senior’s style of play helping Florida women’s tennis team

By Cassie Amundson | Nov. 1, 2016

It isn’t too common for a tennis match to last three hours.

The Florida soccer team huddles during its 6-0 win over Alabama on Oct. 20 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators open up SEC tournament play against Missouri

By Lauren Staff | Nov. 1, 2016

After 17 games, a regular-season record of 13-4 and one of the toughest schedules in the Southeastern Conference, the Gators are poised to make another deep postseason run.

Coach Jim McElwain, center, talks with UF offensive lineman Martez Ivey (73) during Florida's 38-28 loss to Tennessee on Sept. 24, 2016, in Knoxville

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF's offensive line forming chemistry, seeing progress

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 1, 2016

Surrounded by nearly 2,000 pounds of offensive linemen, Luke Del Rio picked up the check at a nearby Italian restaurant last Thursday.

Brooke Copeland attempts a three-point shot during Florida's win against Stetson.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

UF women’s basketball relying on depth to replace lost talent

By Alejandro López | Oct. 31, 2016

Whenever Carlie Needles pulled up from behind the three-point line, opposing defenses worried.

UF soccer coach Becky Burleigh talks with her team following Florida's 5-2 win against Iowa State on Aug. 19, 2016, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida soccer team celebrates Halloween, SEC awards

By Dylan Dixon | Oct. 31, 2016

Becky Burleigh arrived at Monday afternoon’s practice donning slightly unusual attire: adult-sized giraffe onesie pajamas.

Jeremy Foley shakes hands with Billy Donovan during the Gators' game against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, FL / UAA Communications photo by Tim Casey

SPORTS

Roundtable: Who has been Jeremy Foley’s best hire?

Oct. 31, 2016

After a decorated 24-year tenure as Florida's athletics director, Jeremy Foley retires today. He employed many coaches during his time as head of UF's athletic department, but which hire was his best? Sports writers Ethan Bauer, Jordan McPherson and Patrick Pinak debate.

Jeremy Foley speaks during Rally In The Swamp at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Aug. 21, 2016.

SPORTS

Foley: A legacy remembered

By IAN COHEN | Oct. 31, 2016

Looking back now, several weeks later, the conversation still gives Scott McCabe chills.

Carlos Miranda runs during the Mountain Dew Invitational on Sept. 24, 2016, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Cross country teams finish eighth at SEC Championship

By Mark Stine | Oct. 30, 2016

The Florida men and women’s cross country teams competed in the Southeastern Conference Championship at the University of Arkansas’ Agri Park on Friday.

Jarrad Davis (center) makes a tackle during Florida's 24-10 win over Georgia on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Jarrad Davis shows why he’s 'heart and soul' of Florida

By Ethan Bauer | Oct. 30, 2016

JACKSONVILLE — Jarrad Davis cried out in pain as the stadium went quiet.

Coach Jim McElwain looks on during Florida's 24-10 win over Georgia on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Column: Should we really believe Florida can win the SEC?

By IAN COHEN | Oct. 30, 2016

It must be strange to field these types of questions, especially after winning by two touchdowns in a rivalry game, after your defense suffocated yet another conference opponent, and after — just over halfway through the season — your team sits alone atop the SEC East.

Luke Del Rio looks to the sideline for instruction during Florida's 24-10 win over Georgia on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

SEC title still in sight for Florida

By Ethan Bauer | Oct. 30, 2016

Jacob Eason danced out of the pocket and dashed toward the sideline, keeping his eyes locked downfield.