PHILADELPHIA - The eighth-ranked Florida lacrosse team secured its 10th conference championship after defeating No. 6 James Madison 9-8 on Saturday afternoon.
The Gators secured their ninth-straight tournament championship and 10th overall with the win. It was Florida's 12th appearance in the tournament championship, winning 10-of-12 times.UF improves to 16-3 on the season and is riding an 11-game winning streak into the NCAA Tournament, while James Madison falls to 17-2 on the year, with the Gators breaking the Dukes' 17-game win streak.Redshirt junior Sarah Reznick was named as the AAC Tournament's Most Outstanding Player, while Maggi Hall, Emma LoPinto, Danielle Pavinelli, Madison Waters and Becky Browndorf were named to the All-Tournament Team.Florida's offensive attack was led by Danielle Pavinelli, who posted a three-goal performance on the day. Madison Waters and Emma LoPinto each added two goals in the victory, while Emily Heller and Maggi Hall each found the back of the cage once.Hall posted a team-high three assists in the win, while Ashley Gonzalez (2) and Pavinelli (1) combined for three helpers.The Gators won 12-of-19 draw controls in the game, led by seven from Liz Harrison. Emily Heller and Shelton Sawers each posted two draw controls of their own in the game.Florida held James Madison to 8-of-24 shooting (.333) on the afternoon, tallying six caused turnovers. Browndorf led the way with three, while Harrison, Sawers and Emerson Cabrera each recorded one.Sawers posted a team-high three groundballs in the game, while M. Waters and Heller both registered two in the victory.Sarah Reznick was tabbed as the 2023 Most Outstanding Player after tallying 10 saves for a .556 save percentage on the day.The Gators now await the NCAA Tournament Selection Show to determine their postseason destination. The women's selection show is slated for Sunday at 9 p.m. and will air on ESPNU.