sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Bob van Overbeek watched as his opponent’s shot slowly bounced in front of him. The junior set his feet, brought his racket back and blasted a thunderous forehand past his helpless opponent.

Sports

Demps runs nation's fastest time this season in 100m win

By KATIE AGOSTIN< | Apr. 1, 2012

For Jeff Demps, just winning a race isn’t enough. He needs to make a national impression as well.

Mississippi's Tanner Mathis (12) watches as the ball clears the fence on a three-run home run hit by Florida's Vickash Ramjit during a college baseball game in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, March 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Oxford Eagle, Bruce Newman)

Sports

Gators' bats come alive in series evening win over Rebels

By TOM GREEN | Apr. 1, 2012

For the first 16 innings of Florida’s weekend series against Ole Miss, the Rebels frustrated the Gators’ bats, limiting them to just three hits Friday night and two runs through seven innings Saturday afternoon.

Sports

Gators even series with Bulldogs

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Apr. 1, 2012

It took a late rally from behind, but the Gators finally broke their losing skid on Saturday.

Mississippi's Blake Newalu (6) steals second as the ball gets past Florida's Caey Turgeon (2) during a college baseball game in Oxford, Miss. on Friday, March 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Oxford Eagle, Bruce Newman)

Sports

O'Sullivan not surprised by lack of pop in shutout loss to Ole Miss

Mar. 31, 2012

Florida’s bats still haven’t arrived in Oxford, Miss., and Kevin O’Sullivan isn’t entirely surprised.

Sports

Zunic, Griffin set bests in wins; women have mixed results in relays; Demps in 100m finals at Texas Relays

By KATIE AGOSTIN< | Mar. 30, 2012

On Tuesday, Alishea Usery talked about how excited she was to perform in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays with her teammates and how well she thought they were going to perform.

Sports

Sweep of Auburn caps challenging month for Florida's men tennis; women also sweep

By ELI MARGER | Mar. 30, 2012

Surely, the Gators are glad to be done with the month of March. The No. 11 men (11-7, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) had a month full of close matches, many resulting in defeat.

After struggling to find his way onto the field during his first three seasons, Omarius Hines, seen running during a recent practice, is making the switch to running back.

Sports

Notebook: Hines making switch to running back

By JOHN BOOTHE | Mar. 29, 2012

Throughout Omarius Hines’ career, coaches have opined about getting him the ball more.

Starter Karsten Whitson sits in the Gators’ dugout following a game against USF last season. Whitson has not pitched since an abbreviated outing on Feb. 26.

Sports

Whitson still out as No. 1 Florida baseball heads to Ole Miss

Mar. 29, 2012

Karsten Whitson won’t take the mound for the Gators this weekend.

Sports

Column: Gators get some much-deserved Top 10 love

By GREG LUCA | Mar. 29, 2012

Saturday’s loss to Louisville left a sour taste in every Florida fan’s mouth, but here’s a chance to cleanse your palate.

Mackenzie Caquatto sticks a dismount in a quad meet Jan. 27. She rebounded from ankle pain to post 9.9 on bars at the SEC Championship.

Sports

Caquatto fighting through pain to help UF gymnastics

By LANDON WATNICK< | Mar. 29, 2012

Throughout the past six months, Mackenzie Caquatto’s ankles have been on a roller-coaster ride.

Sports

Gators lacrosse leaning on newcomers entering game against No. 10 Penn State

By JOSH JURNOVOY< | Mar. 29, 2012

The Gators know they won't catch the American Lacrosse Conference off-guard again.

Sports

Florida softball geared up for trip to No. 9 Georgia

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Mar. 29, 2012

If the Gators were not motivated before, they are now.

Sports

Rankings, accolades not deterring Will, UF women's tennis from reaching goals

By ELI MARGER | Mar. 29, 2012

In the minutes after Sunday’s win against Mississippi, Allie Will walked into the conference room of the Ring Tennis Complex to field questions from the media.

Sports

Sprinter Graham leading Gators relay charge at first outdoor event

By KATIE AGOSTIN< | Mar. 29, 2012

When coach Mike Holloway tells freshman sprinter Hugh Graham that he will be competing against the defending national champion, Graham doesn’t flinch.

Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn expects Shariff Floyd to help shore up the a Gators pass rush that recorded just 28 sacks in 2011.

Sports

Florida wants improved pass rush

By MATT WATTS | Mar. 28, 2012

Although much of the attention on the defensive side of the ball this spring has been focused on creating more turnovers, Florida and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn are also looking for an improved pass rush.