The Gators topped Denver 18-12 in Saturday's Big East championship game.
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Florida (17-2) claimed its fifth conference tournament title overall, its fourth conference title in a row, and its third consecutive Big East tournament title on Saturday. The Gators beat third-seeded Denver (14-4) 18-12.
The Gators scored 39 goals over the span of two tournament games, breaking their own record from 2015 for most goals scored in a Big East tournament.
game highlights! Find out how #FLax won its fourth conference tournament in a row! #GoGators
— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) May 6, 2017
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Tournament Most Outstanding Player Mollie Stevens stuffed the stat sheet against the Pioneers, scoring five goals, two assists, six draw controls, two caused turnovers and two ground balls. Stevens scored 10 goals in Florida's two tournament games, tying the Big East tournament record for most goals scored in a single tournament.
Florida controlled the pace of the game by winning a 20-12 edge in the draw circle. Stevens became the 12th player in the nation to record at least 100 draw controls this season.
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Sophomore attacker Lindsey Ronbeck recorded a double hat trick with three goals and three assists to go along with three draw controls. Midfielder Sydney Pirreca chipped in five points (three goals, two assists) and three draw controls in Florida's win.
THREE-PEAT @GatorsLAX defeats Denver for a third consecutive #BIGEASTwlax tournament championship. pic.twitter.com/4FERaI0xBj
— BIG EAST Conference (@BIGEAST) May 6, 2017
The Gator defense was anchored by a strong performance from freshman defender Cara Trombetta, who caused a career-high three turnovers. Florida limited Denver to shoot just 38 percent in the game. Sophomore goalkeeper Haley Hicklen turned in 12 saves and a .500 save percentage against the Pioneers, marking her fifth game this season with at least 10 saves and a .500 save percentage.
