10:03 pm | May 4, 2019 | Go to Source | Author: Gatorsports
Special to Gatorsports.com
CINCINNATI, Ohio — The No. 18 Florida lacrosse team hoisted the inaugural American Athletic Conference Tournament trophy on Saturday after defeating Cincinnati 15-9 at Sheakley Athletics Center.
This is the sixth consecutive conference tournament championship for the Gators, dating back to the 2014 season (ALC – 2014, BIG EAST – 2015-18, AAC – 2019). It is the program’s seventh overall.
“When you win the inaugural conference championship, it is such an exciting feeling,” UF coach Amanda O’Leary said. “All the credit goes to these young women behind me. They work so hard all season and I am so proud of their effort today. It was a total team effort – that was a great Cincinnati team, but the Florida Gators showed up today.”
Florida (13-6) notched the tournament’s most outstanding player in Lindsey Ronbeck, along with five other All-Tournament team spots: Sydney Pirreca, Shannon Kavanagh, Grace Haus, Cara Trombetta and Haley Hicklen.
Ronbeck led the way, scoring six goals to secure the win for Florida. Shannon Kavanagh followed with four goals and three assists, while Grace Haus and Brianna Harris each recorded two goals.
Florida won 16 draw controls on the day, led by five apiece from Shannon Kavanagh and Sabrina Cristodero. The Gators caused 12 turnovers throughout the game, led by three from Cara Trombetta. Cristodero and Dabkowski each posted two in the game as well.
Haley Hicklen racked up six saves in the game for a .400 saves percentage.
The Gators also routed the Bearcats (12-7) 25-6 to win the regular-season title last Saturday in Gainesville.
UF awaits Sunday’s selection show to see where it will be heading for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA selection show airs Sunday night at 8 p.m. on NCAA.org. The Gators have advanced to the NCAA Tournament each season since 2011.
Notes: Ronbeck recorded her 15th hat trick this season after recording six goals during the game. … Hicklen won her 48th career game today, just two wins away from tying Mikey Meagher’s program record of 50. … 11 Gators earned their UF degrees this weekend: Caroline Benitez, Annie Collins, Kendra Cronin, Paige Aldave, Alix Lopez, Lindsey Ronbeck, Caroline May, Madi Hall, Jillian Alonso, Haley Hikclen and Sydney Pirreca.
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