sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Midfielder Holly King (10) heads a ball during UF's 3-0 victory against Florida International University on Sept. 2. King works as an elementary school teacher at Levy County elementary school every Wednesday.

Sports

UF soccer aiming to score first, start fast

By LANDON WATNICK | Sep. 13, 2012

The Gators know the importance of an early lead.

Defensive end Dominique Easley takes on Tyler Bray and the Tennessee offense on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Florida has generated four sacks this season while the Volunteers have allowed just one.

Sports

Column: Gators’ pass rush will disappoint against Vols

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 12, 2012

When Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray takes his first snap on Saturday, Florida needs to get after him. The Gators’ pass rush — particularly the defensive line — has been quiet for too long.

Freshman linebacker Antonio Morrison (12) chases down Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (5) during UF's 20-17 victory against Texas A&M at Kyle Field.

Sports

Notebook: Receivers to test UF secondary; Morrison making strides

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 12, 2012

Florida cornerbacks have a tall task Saturday.

Sophomore cornerback back Marcus Roberson (5) pursues Bowling Green wide receiver Shaun Joplin (9) during UF's 27-14 victory on Sept. 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Florida aiming to force more turnovers against Tennessee

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 12, 2012

Florida’s biggest strength in 2011, its defense, had just one glaring weakness: forcing turnovers.

Sports

Monserez excels in new role for UF volleyball

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Sep. 12, 2012

For Maddy Monserez, the Active Ankle Challenge wasn’t just another three wins for the Gators. Instead, last weekend’s matches against Jacksonville, Louisiana-Lafayette and Georgia Tech were the first time that the sophomore played right back for Florida.

Florida sophomore forward Annie Speese (center) tied the Gators' game against New Mexico on Sept. 9 with a right-footed kick in the 50th minute. Speese tore her right ACL during Florida's loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.

Sports

UF soccer's Speese rebounding from ACL tear

By LANDON WATNICK | Sep. 12, 2012

Annie Speese’s phenomenal freshman season last year did not have a happy ending.

Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray attempts a pass as Dominique Easley applies pressure during Florida's game against the Volunteers Sept. 17, 2011. The Gators travel to Knoxville to face the top-ranked passing offense in the SEC on Saturday.

Sports

Volunteers striving to snap losing streak against Gators

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 12, 2012

The last time Tennessee beat Florida, Will Muschamp and Derek Dooley were co-workers at LSU. Muschamp served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Dooley was the special teams coordinator and coached the running backs. It was 2004.

Gators midfielder Holly King rooms with teammate Jo Dragotta. The chemistry from the seniors will help UF cope with the loss of All-American center back Kat Williamson.

Sports

Midfielders King, Dragotta assuming larger role for UF

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN | Sep. 11, 2012

With defender Kat Williamson out indefinitely due to a torn right meniscus, the Gators will look to a pair of seniors to anchor the defense.

Lerentee McCray gets by Jordon Roussos of Bowling Green at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the season opener Sept. 1. McCray took over the Buck position when Ronald Powell suffered a torn ACL in the spring game.

Sports

Column: Loss of Powell should not concern Gators defense

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 11, 2012

Florida has only four sacks in the season’s first two games and will be without 2011 sack leader Ronald Powell for the rest of the year, but it’s not time to panic just yet.

Tight end Jordan Reed (11) breaks a tackle during UF's 27-14 win against Bowling Green University on Sept. 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Reed growing into tight end role, leads Florida in receiving

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 11, 2012

Will Muschamp always wears his realistic glasses.

Offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison (72) blocks for sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during UF's 20-17 victory on Saturday against Texas A&M University at Kyle Field.

Sports

Pease: Line is UF’s strength

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 11, 2012

Texas A&M’s eight sacks against Florida on Saturday did not faze offensive coordinator Brent Pease. He believes the Gators’ offensive line is the “strength of the team.”

Taylor Brauneis sat out Friday's match against the Jacksonville Dolphins with a mild concussion. The junior played 255 of 257 sets dating back to her previous two years at Louisville.

Sports

Gators dealing with rash of injuries entering SEC play

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN | Sep. 11, 2012

For the Gators volleyball team, black and blue have become the unofficial team colors this season.

Sports

Hedberg opens new year with first career title in Florida win

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Sep. 11, 2012

Camilla Hedberg started her 2012 season perfectly on Tuesday. Not only did the Gators win the Cougar Classic, but the sophomore also grabbed the first individual title of her college career.

Runningback Mike Gillislee moves the ball against against Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field. Gillislee rushed for two touchdowns in Saturday's victory against the Aggies.

Sports

Notebook: Gillislee practicing despite injury; Driskel working to prevent sacks

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 11, 2012

When Brent Pease took over as Florida’s offensive coordinator in January, he had no idea what to expect from Mike Gillislee.

Receiver Andre Debose (4) waits in the end zone to return a kick-off during the game against Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field. Debose is out for 2013 with an ACL tear.

Sports

Notebook: Reliable Sturgis wins SEC award; Gators injury updates

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 10, 2012

Caleb Sturgis watched as his 51-yard kick ricocheted off the right upright and fell to the ground. However, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin gave Sturgis two chances to pull Florida within a touchdown of the lead.

Florida head coach Will Muschamp speaks to a referee during at Kyle Field during Florida's 20-17 victory against Texas A&M.

Sports

Column: UF football needs two good halves to win

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 10, 2012

Will Muschamp doesn’t mind “winning ugly,” but it will only get the Gators so far.

T.J. Vogel watches one of his drives during a tournament last spring. Vogel will begin competition at The Masters today.

Sports

Hedberg leads strong day for Gators golf

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Sep. 10, 2012

When Camilla Hedberg shot a 69 (-3) on Sunday, she was just getting started. In the second day of the Cougar Classic, Hedberg turned in a round of 66 (-6), which allowed her to move into first place.

Sports

Alford, Diep claim Gators’ first title of new season in doubles

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN | Sep. 10, 2012

Mike Alford and Florent Diep started the Florida men’s tennis team’s season on a high note on Monday.

Florida Forward Kathryn(7) Williamson battles for the ball against FIU forward Chelsea Leiva (2) in a 3-0 win on Sept 2.

Sports

UF trying to replace All-American Williamson after knee injury

By LANDON WATNICK | Sep. 10, 2012

With their top defender out indefinitely, the Gators have big shoes to fill.

Sports

Men's golf, Lendl at top of leaderboard after first round

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Sep. 10, 2012

It was a rough start for Santiago Gavino on Sunday. The redshirt sophomore started off his first tournament as a Gator by bogeying three of his first four holes.