sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Matt Jones (24) reaches for the ball on a play-action pass from quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during Florida’s 21-16 loss against Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium.

Sports

Jones ready to carry load

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Sep. 16, 2013

Matt Jones has not felt this good in months.

Jaylen Watkins runs down the field during Florida’s 21-16 loss against Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium. Watkins is now starting at safety for the Gators.

Sports

Defensive tackle preparing for final matchup with Tennessee

By ADAM PINCUS< | Sep. 16, 2013

It may have nine stanzas, but the good ‘ole song from Rocky Top has a catchy ring to it. In Knoxville, Tenn., it’s a touching rendition to the simple life in the foothills. In many other places, “Rocky Top,” is an annoying battle cry that people would rather do without.

Savannah Jordan battles for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Minnesota on Sept. 13 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Junior midfielder showing timely touch for Florida

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Sep. 16, 2013

Havana Solaun is no stranger to comebacks.

Gabby Mallette reaches to hit the ball during Florida’s four-set win against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Gators seeking redemption against Seminoles

By RJ Schaffer | Sep. 16, 2013

When Florida played its annual match against Florida State last season, the Gators suffered one of only three sweeps of the season. The other two came against reigning national champion Texas.

Under coach Gregg Troy (above), Florida returns 11 All-Americans this season on the men’s team and two-time Olympian Elizabeth Beisel to the women.

Sports

UF boasts deep roster heading into 2013

By Logan McGuire | Sep. 16, 2013

Entering the 2013-14 season, coach Gregg Troy has one of the most impressive Florida teams to date.

Chloe Mann jumps to spike the ball during Florida’s four-set victory against Western Michigan in the O’Connell Center on Sept. 14

Sports

Florida defense lagging behind historic offensive output

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 15, 2013

Under coach Mary Wise, the Gators are no strangers to high-powered offenses.

Havana Solaun (19) fights for the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Oklahoma State on Sept. 6 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Gators miss on last-second chance, tie Bulls in Tampa

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 15, 2013

With fewer than 30 seconds left to win the game, Pamela Begic had a choice.

Ziva Recek reaches for the ball during Florida’s four-set victory against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Long rallies trouble Florida despite win

By RJ Schaffer | Sep. 15, 2013

After surviving a scare from Western Michigan on Saturday, No. 5 Florida (8-1) has adjustments to make prior to facing No. 16 Florida State (6-3) on Tuesday.

Jimmy Clark runs at the Mountain Dew Invitational on Saturday in Gainesville. Clark won his race in 23:53.78.

Sports

UF men win Mountain Dew Invitational

By GORDON STREISAND< | Sep. 15, 2013

On a dewy morning at the Mark Bostick Golf Course, Florida’s cross country teams gave a sneak peek of this season’s Southeastern Conference Championships in front of their home crowd.

Florida coach Roland Thornqvist (right) congratulates junior Sofie Oyen (left) and former Gator Allie Will (back) during a match against Duke on March 14, 2012.

Sports

Doubles pairing wins Fab Four invite

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Sep. 15, 2013

The Gators secured their first trophy of the season during the weekend at Duke’s Fab Four invitational.

Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73), now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, celebrates after making a tackle during Florida’s 33-23 loss to Louisville during the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Sports

UF graduate now representing Gators

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 15, 2013

NFL agent Jon Perzley and Jermaine Cunningham are both UF alums, but it took a pair of shorts for the latter to realize the connection.

Sports

Penn State trip enlightening

By ADAM PINCUS< | Sep. 15, 2013

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The faint smell of cow manure travels to the hallowed grounds from a campus farm just across the way. Rolling hills with lush trees resemble the opening scene from “Jurassic Park” as the camera pans away to reveal a vast expanse of green.

Sports

Poor first round sinks Gators at season-opening event

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Sep. 15, 2013

Florida’s season opener at the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational was a struggle.

Ziva Recek spikes the ball over the net in Florida’s 3-0 win against Arkansas on Oct. 5, 2012, in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Florida sweeps Iona, defeats Western Michigan in four sets

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 15, 2013

The No. 5 Gators walked out of the O’Connell Center on Saturday as the Active Ankle Challenge champions but not without taking some major blows on defense.

Sports

Gators remain in last place after second round of Olympia Fields Invitational

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Sep. 14, 2013

No. 18 Florida fell victim again at the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational on Saturday afternoon, remaining in 15th place.

Sports

Florida men finish first at Mountain Dew Invitational

By GORDON STREISAND< | Sep. 14, 2013

For the second consecutive meet in 2013, Florida’s cross country team turned in a victory.

Freshman forward Savannah Jordan (10) eludes two Oregon State defenders in Florida's 3-1 win on Aug. 23 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Jordan scores two goals as Florida cruises past Minnesota 2-0

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Sep. 13, 2013

It took Savannah Jordan more than 60 minutes to find her way past Minnesota’s back line, and when she did, the result was positive for UF.

Sports

Gators finish first round of Olympia Fields Invitational in last place

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Sep. 13, 2013

Round 1 of the eighth annual Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational concluded with No. 18 Florida struggling in last place with a score of 308 (+28).

Chloe Mann (10) spikes the ball over Missouri’s Whitney Little (8) during UF’s 3-0 win on Sept. 21, 2012, in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

Sports

Mann fuels Florida to sweep of Georgetown

By RJ Schaffer | Sep. 13, 2013

On Thursday, Redshirt senior middle blocker Chloe Mann had her number retired by her alma mater, Eastside High.

Sophomore setter Dana Backlund serves the ball during Florida’s 3-0 win against Jacksonville on Sept. 7, 2012, in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Setters replace veteran in practice

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 12, 2013

She never minded wearing a mask. She did it for four years.