sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida redshirt freshman Gordon Watson hits a ball during the Bedford Cup on Sept. 15, 2012, at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex.

Sports

Gators rout St. John's, advance to ITA Kickoff Weekend championship

By CHRIS KIRSCHNER< | Jan. 26, 2013

It may have been early on a Saturday, but the Gators came out energized.

Throwers coach Steve Lemke (left) and coach Mike Holloway walk across the field at Percy Beard Track at Pressly Stadium during the 2012 Florida Relays. Seventeen Gators qualified Sunday for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, which are set to begin June 5.

Sports

Florida in striking position at Razorback Invitational

By GORDON STREISAND< | Jan. 25, 2013

Florida’s men’s and women’s track and field teams gathered in Fayetteville, Ark., on Friday for the Razorback Invitational, the site for the upcoming Southeastern Conference and NCAA Indoor Championships at the University of Arkansas.

Junior forward Will Yeguete (15) plays defense during Florida’s 83-52 victory against Missouri on Saturday in the O’Connell Center. Yeguete will miss 4-6 weeks with bone chips in his right knee.

Sports

Injuries hampering Gators’ frontcourt depth

By JOE MORGAN | Jan. 24, 2013

Halftime felt different for the Gators on Wednesday night in Athens, Ga.

Sophomore Marquis Dendy (far left) races in the 55m on Jan. 17 during the Gator Invitational in the O’Connell Center. Dendy is set to compete in the long jump on Saturday.

Sports

Sophomore jumper taking on increased workload in 2013

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 24, 2013

Coach Mike Holloway knew sophomore Marquis Dendy was fast when he recruited him.

Coach Rhonda Faehn talks to freshman Bridget Sloan before her performance on beam during Florida’s 197.3-194.625 victory against Missouri on Jan. 18 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Gators hosting ‘Link to Pink’ meet

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Jan. 24, 2013

Two years ago, Jack Strickland phoned his loved ones to offer what little advice he had left to give and planned his final Thanksgiving for early August.

Sports

Senior Lajnef achieving dream with Gators

By ROBERT JUDIN< | Jan. 24, 2013

One of Sarra Lajnef’s most challenging obstacles was herself.

Jelani Jenkins (3) returns an interception during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Jenkins was one of three former Gators chosen by the Miami Dolphins on Friday.

Sports

Jenkins right to leave

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Jan. 23, 2013

No one was surprised when defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and safety Matt Elam announced their intentions to forgo their senior seasons and declare for the NFL draft.

Coach Amanda Butler watches during Florida’s 52-44 loss to South Carolina on Sunday in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Gators hope to boost tournament odds against Ole Miss

Jan. 23, 2013

Coach Amanda Butler and the Gators are looking to make a second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Florida guard Scottie Wilbekin (right) dribbles past Missouri guard Phil Pressey during the Gators’ 83-52 win against the Tigers on Saturday in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

UF rebounds from slow start in win

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 23, 2013

ATHENS, Ga. — For the past four years, Georgia has put up a fight at home against Florida. Wednesday night was no exception.

Coach Will Muschamp stands on the field during Florida's 33-23 loss to Louisville on Jan. 2.

Sports

Muschamp hires Lawing as new assistant

By JOE MORGAN | Jan. 22, 2013

Less than one week after defensive coordinator Dan Quinn left the Gators for the NFL, coach Will Muschamp has filled out his staff.

Junior Florent Diep strikes the ball during Florida’s 5-2 victory against Miami on Jan. 19 at Linder Stadium.

Sports

Junior Frenchman gaining confidence, comfort playing in U.S.

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 22, 2013

When Florent Diep enrolled at Florida in January 2012, the Frenchman had to adjust to life in the U.S. and life in college.

Mackenzie Caquatto performs on the beam during UF’s 196.575-190.55 win against Ball State on Jan. 4 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

Florida gymnast earns perfect 10

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Jan. 21, 2013

Mackenzie Caquatto achieved perfection on Friday night in the O’Connell Center.

Florida center Vicky McIntyre (34) attempts a shot over a South Carolina defender in the O'Connell Center during Florida's 52-44 loss to South Carolina. After one season with the Gators, McIntyre will not return to UF next season.

Sports

Gators struggling on boards

Jan. 21, 2013

Florida shot a season-low 29.8 percent from the floor on Sunday, but the cold shooting was not what fired up coach Amanda Butler.

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

NCAA title is Florida's to lose

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 21, 2013

At the 2012 NCAA Championships in Duluth, Ga., Kytra Hunter finished her floor routine with a nearly flawless double back tuck tumbling pass. Her score of 9.925 put Florida ahead of UCLA by .025.

UF junior Elizabeth Beisel speaks to her teammates at the All Florida Invitational at the O'Connell Center in 2012.

Sports

Junior Beisel threatens school record as UF beats FAU

By ROBERT JUDIN< | Jan. 21, 2013

Elizabeth Beisel tried to swim her way into history against FAU.

Sports

Florida wins season opener against Hurricanes

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Jan. 21, 2013

Gordon Watson graduated early from Naples First Baptist Academy in December 2011 and was promptly redshirted. After watching Florida compete during his first dual-meet season in 2012, Watson got his chance.