Florida 34, Florida State 24 on Friday, September 25. A fast start, a shaky stretch, and a strong finish for a 2-0 Gators side.
The Gators women beat Florida State 34-24 on Friday, September 25 at UVS Field, their second win in two matches this fall after opening with a 37-19 win at UCF on September 12.
First Half
FSU, looking to avenge last fall's home loss that sent Florida to the 2025 conference championships, struck first with a try in the corner inside the opening ten minutes. Florida answered quickly, working the ball wide to sophomore fullback Maiya Bowers, who finished and added the conversion for a 7-5 lead.
The Gators built on it with tries from wing Monet Anton and outside center Jessie Engel, helped by a steady stream of FSU penalties and strong carries from the loose forwards on penalty taps, notably Ana Rincon and captain Angie Nevryueva. Lineout play was sharper with sophomore lock Nancy Dolson back in the side after missing the UCF match, and she was a force on defense. Despite being out penalized nearly three to one in the half, 11 to 4, Florida took the first yellow card into the break.
Second Half
Florida opened the second half without starting prop and lead tackler senior Alondra Castellan. FSU adjusted, scoring on the second half kickoff and again to tie the match at 19-19, then pushed ahead 24-19.
FSU's discipline then caught up with them, with four yellow cards over the next 30 minutes. Florida used its numbers advantage in the backline, with Engel creating mismatches through her offloads and forcing turnovers. Bowers added another try and scrumhalf Ashleigh Guyette crossed twice to put the match away. Final score: Florida 34, Florida State 24.
What Comes Next
This Saturday's home match against Clemson, October 3, is cancelled. Clemson could not field a full side to travel to Gainesville.
Florida next plays UCF at home on Saturday, October 17 at 11 AM at UVS Field, then hosts Florida State on Saturday, October 24, with the kickoff time to be confirmed. The rematch could decide the state title. Full schedule and results are on the women's schedule page.
Match recap by Kerri O'Malley.
Let's Go Gators Rugby.
