Seven tries in Orlando, two each from Monet Anton and Jessie Engel, and a debut at number eight for Ana Rincon.
The Gators women opened the 2026 season on Saturday in Orlando with a 37-19 win over a fast and athletic UCF side.
Both clubs came into the match short on preparation. UCF started training a week later than Florida, and late summer storms cost both sides training time to lightning cancellations. Junior Angelina Nevryueva (7) and sophomore Sommer Soderman (12) captained Florida. UCF was led by flyhalf Megan Strednosky. Wil McDonald had the whistle.
Florida had both returning coaches on the touchline, Kerri O'Malley and Zarko Njezic, joined this season by new assistant coach Jennifer Meisenhelder, herself a former Division I college women's national champion. UCF has a new head coach of their own in Bob Newbanks, who has stepped up from assistant and is bringing new energy to the Knights.
First Half
The opening ten minutes were a scrap for possession. Florida had the better of it more than once off UCF penalties, which became a theme of the afternoon. Sophomore Monet Anton opened the scoring on the outside in the 14th minute. UCF answered inside two minutes.
At 27 minutes Florida built through several phases from a lineout attack and Anton finished on the wing again for her second. Four minutes later junior Jessie Engel added a third, touching down a mishandled ball in the UCF goal after aggressive Florida defense inside the 22. Junior Maya Gary closed out the half on a crash ball from the forwards about five meters out.
At the break the Gators regrouped, knowing UCF would come back out hard with adjustments.
Second Half
Florida led off the second half with a try from sophomore fullback Maiya Bowers. UCF struck back with a long run off a penalty at 45 minutes. At 50, junior Ana Rincon scored off a scrum on her debut at number eight, a shift she looked to enjoy after two years at lock. UCF answered within three minutes with an eight man pick and go of their own.
Close to the hour Engel got the last try of the match, breaking several tackles to center it under the posts and set up the first Florida conversion of the day.
The final twenty minutes were a long, hot struggle for both sides, and Florida was fortunate to carry a deeper bench this early in the season. Final score: Florida 37, UCF 19.
After the match the side spent time with supportive alumnae who had made the trip, including Anna Jennings and Sue Mac.
What Comes Next
The rematch should look different. UCF's recruiting class is cleared to play once baseline concussion testing is complete, and the two sides meet again at home on Saturday, October 17 at 11 AM at UVS Field.
Before that, Florida has two weeks to work on recovering from early season injuries, being more aggressive when awarded penalties, and conditioning to finish the last twenty minutes stronger. Next up is Florida State on Friday, September 25 at 6 PM.
Match recap by head coach Kerri O'Malley.
Let's Go Gators Rugby.
