sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Sophomore Kytra Hunter performs her beam routine in a dual meet against Ball State on Jan. 4 in the O’Connell Center. Hunter won the all-around title at the NCAA Regionals on Saturday.

Sports

Sophomore Hunter shines in loss to LSU

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Jan. 13, 2013

Florida’s gymnastics team waited patiently for the final team scores Friday evening in Baton Rouge, La.

Sophomore jumper Marquis Dendy competes in the long jump at the Gator Invitational on Jan. 22, 2012, in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Gators win six event titles in debut

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 13, 2013

On Saturday at the Crimson Tide Indoor Opener in Birmingham, Ala., freshmen Najee Glass and Arman Hall had to replace two members of the 2012 NCAA Championship 4x400-meter relay team who clinched Florida’s first outdoor national title.

Freshman Bridget Sloan sticks a landing during Florida’s 196.575-190.55 win against Ball State on Jan. 4 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Freshman Sloan earns Southeastern Conference honor

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Jan. 10, 2013

Ashanee Dickerson took to the corner of the mat at the start of her floor exercise. “Hottest in the Hood” by Red Cafe was blaring through the speakers. But more than the music accompanied her.

Senior Kitty Cullen attempts a shot during Florida’s 14-7 win against Northwestern in the ALC Championship Game on May 5, 2012, at Dizney Stadium. Cullen said teammate Ashley Bruns could beat any defender when Bruns attacks from the crease.

Sports

The Rally: Which spring sport will win a national title this season?

By JOE MORGAN | Jan. 10, 2013

Josh: This year’s Florida lacrosse team has a chance to be dominant. The Gators lost just one player from last year’s squad, which made it to the national semifinals. No Florida team that finished one game short of the finals the previous season has returned as high of a percentage of its lineup since the last men’s basketball championship run in 2006-07. If the Gators aren’t hoisting the championship trophy in Philadelphia on Memorial Day weekend, it will be legitimately shocking, and you can’t say that about any other team.

Forward Casey Prather (24) looks for a scoring option against  Georgia defender Nemanja Djurisic in Florida’s 77-44 win on Wednesday in the O’Connell Center. Prather scored 10 points in the victory.

Sports

Prather impresses for Florida in surprise start against Georgia

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 10, 2013

With Erik Murphy suffering from a broken rib and Will Yeguete nursing tendinitis in his right knee, Florida needed a frontcourt player to step up against Georgia.

Coach Amanda Butler watches from the bench during UF’s 87-62 win against Troy on Dec. 4 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Bonds leads Gators to road victory

Jan. 10, 2013

After a slow start to begin the season, junior Jaterra Bonds rose to the occasion in the Gators’ first two games to open Southeastern Conference play.

Sports

Senior Craddock up for Southeastern Conference award

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 10, 2013

Omar Craddock had a near perfect season last year.

Center Patric Young (4) pulls down a rebound during UF's 77-44 win against Georgia on Wednesday night in the the O'Connell Center

Sports

Gators struggling on glass

By LANDON WATNICK | Jan. 10, 2013

Rebounding has been an issue for center Patric Young and forward Erik Murphy this season. Both players’ production on the glass has dropped from last season.

UF outfielder Tyler Thompson rounds the bases after his homerun during the Gators' 13-9 win against Kentucky in McKethan Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2009. (Andrew Stanfill / Alligator Staff)

Sports

Senior Thompson leaves Florida baseball team

By ADAM PINCUS | Jan. 9, 2013

After losing nine players to the MLB draft, UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan can add Tyler Thompson to the list of players the Gators must replace this season.

Sports

Florida freshman adjusting to college quickly

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Jan. 9, 2013

Last week’s opening meet against Ball State gave coach Rhonda Faehn the chance to evaluate Bridget Sloan’s collegiate debut.

Senior forward Jennifer George dribbles in the lane during Florida's 77-72 win against LSU in the O'Connell Center.

Sports

George questionable to play against Mississippi State

Jan. 9, 2013

Florida netted its first Southeastern Conference win of the season with a 77-72 victory against LSU on Sunday, but the Gators suffered a troubling loss during the game.

Alabama's AJ McCarron (10) and Barrett Jones argue during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game against Notre Dame Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Miami. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Sports

Muschamp aiming to achieve Saban’s Process at Florida

By GREG LUCA | Jan. 8, 2013

With only 7 minutes of game time separating the Crimson Tide from a second consecutive national championship, A.J. McCarron and Barrett Jones were pissed.

Guard Kayla Lewis (22) drives the lane during Florida’s 77-72 win against LSU on Sunday in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Lewis, Needles grateful for chance to contribute

Jan. 8, 2013

Kayla Lewis and Carlie Needles watched from the bench last season as Florida earned its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2009.

Sports

Donovan defends slumping Southeastern Conference

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 8, 2013

When Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban raised the crystal football above his head, the Southeastern Conference made history.

Sports

Experienced freshmen providing depth for Florida gymnastics

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Jan. 7, 2013

Florida freshman Bridget Sloan wasn’t awestruck by the O’Connell Center lights during Friday’s season opener against Ball State. She has been on a bigger stage before.

Point guard Jaterra Bonds (10) runs the floor during Florida's 77-72 win against LSU on Jan. 6 in the O'Connell Center.

Sports

Junior Bonds leading youthful Gators

Jan. 7, 2013

In a contentious Southeastern Conference, every game is a battle for a youthful Florida squad. That’s when the Gators turn to their floor general, Jaterra Bonds.

Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd points to a teammate during Florida’s 33-23 loss to Louisville in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in New Orleans.

Sports

The Rally: Which departing player will Florida miss the most in 2013?

By ADAM PINCUS | Jan. 7, 2013

Josh: It’s no secret the Florida offense was the team’s weakness throughout the 2012 season. Some might think it was detrimental to the Gators’ 2013 campaign that leading receiver Jordan Reed declared for the NFL Draft last weekend.

Sports

Gators linebacker Jenkins declares for NFL Draft

By JOE MORGAN | Jan. 7, 2013

The Gators’ list of early departures continues to grow.

Sports

SEC championship is Florida basketball's to lose

By GREG LUCA | Jan. 7, 2013

With football season in the rear-view mirror and a two-month nonconference slate out of the way, Florida basketball is finally ready to step into the spotlight.

Sports

Get to know the Alligator this semester

By JOE MORGAN | Jan. 6, 2013

For those of you who were here during the summer, you’re likely well aware that I’m a movie buff. I bombarded you with references to “John Carter” and “The Dark Knight Rises” like my life depended on it. Fortunately for you, I toned it down during the fall.