Gainesville, Fla. -- The Stetson University lacrosse team fell 19-5 to the No. 11-ranked University of Florida Wednesday afternoon in the rain at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
The Hatters (3-6) trailed early as the Gators (5-4) took a 2-0 lead within the first minute of action. Soon after, the skies opened up and lightning filled the afternoon sky and after about a 45 minute weather delay, play resumed. The Gators continued to tack on goals as UF led 6-0 by the end of the quarter. Less than three minutes into the 2nd, sophomore Saige Roe found the back of the net to get the Hatters on the board and despite Stetson's second goal from Katie Kornacki, it was all Gators for the remainder of the half as UF took a 12-2 lead into intermission.
In the 3rd, Jacklyn Lavoie connected on a free position goal, but the Gators continued to tack on more and by the end of the quarter the Hatters faced a 16-3 deficit. Stetson cut into the lead twice more on Roe's second goal of the game and a late-game goal from Kate Johnson, but UF remained in control of the contest all afternoon and won by a 19-5 final.
The Hatters won 10 draws on the day and scored on three of their five free position attempts. Roe led the offense with her two goals while freshman Mia Judd led the defensive effort with two ground balls, and one caused turnover.
Kiera McCarthy finished with six saves in goal for the Hatters.
The Hatters are back in action on the road on Sunday, March 27 as Stetson visits Mercer University for its final non-conference match-up of the year. First draw is set for noon.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.
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