Lacrosse: Gators Defeat Mercer Behind Strong Defensive Effort
MACON, Ga. - The eighth-ranked Florida lacrosse team defeated the Mercer Bears 15-6 on Wednesday afternoon behind a strong showing on both ends of the field.
The Gators improve to 6-3 on the year, while the Bears fall to 5-2 overall.
Florida had nine different goal scorers on Wednesday afternoon, with Kaitlyn Davies leading the way with her three-goal effort. Emma LoPinto, Maggi Hall, Emily Heller and Danielle Pavinelli each registered two scores on the day, while four Gators each recorded one goal: Madison Waters, Paisley Eagan, Ava Tighe, Tayler Warehime.
Hall posted a team-high three assists in the victory, while LoPinto, M. Waters and Ashley Gonzalez each dished out one assist in the win.
The Gators won 18-of-25 draw controls on the afternoon, with Liz Harrison tallying a career-high 12. Heller added two draw control victories in the game.
Florida held Mercer to 6-of-27 (.222) shooting in the victory, posting 15 caused turnovers. Heller registered a team-high and career-high five caused turnovers, followed by two from Becky Browndorf.
Heller also posted a career-high five groundballs in the win, followed by two from Browndorf. Nine Gators each picked one groundball on the day.
In her 41:14 between the pipes, redshirt junior Sarah Reznick tallied eight saves while only allowing four goals for a .667 save percentage on the afternoon. Elyse Finnelle stepped in for the final 18:46, coming up with four saves and a .667 save percentage as well.
The Gators continue conference play on Saturday when the Cincinnati Bearcats come to town. Opening draw is slated for 12 p.m. on ESPN+ at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
