WLAX Game of the week: No. 9 Florida vs. No. 15 Clemson

College lacrosse is well underway as we head into the middle of March. The week’s women’s slate features a top-15 matchup when No. 9 Florida travels to take on No. 15 Clemson in an exciting non-conference faceoff.

The Gators enter the game with a 6-2 record having won each of their last three contests, two of which were against ranked opponents. Florida’s only losses this season came against No. 2 North Carolina and No. 11 James Madison.

The Gators are a top-10 scoring offense in the nation, averaging 15.50 goals per game. They also have a high scoring margin, outscoring opponents this season 124-89.

Florida has allowed 150 shots on goal this season, while marking 202 of their own, for a .78 shot on goal percentage.

Clark Hamilton is Florida’s leading goal scorer with 26 on the season. Also making strides on offense is the team's point leader Frannie Hahn. Hahn has amassed 37 points this season totaling a team-high 22 assists and notching 15 goals.

The time in the net for the Gators has been largely split between Elyse Finnelle and Georgia Hoey. Finnelle has played in seven games with three starts and a 3-0 record. The redshirt junior has 51 goals allowed, 29 saves and a 12.90 goals against average.

Hoey has played in six games with four starts and a 3-2 record. The graduate student has allowed 35 goals for a 10.16 goals against average, while also recording 29 saves.

After starting the season 6-0, Clemson has dropped its last three games. The Tigers most recently fell 18-5 to No. 2 North Carolina. However, the loss that stands out the most is a 11-10 defeat in the hands of Mercer – a team that Florida beat 22-9.

Clemson has a top-20 scoring offense in the country, knocking in 14.67 goals per game. This season the Tigers have outscored their opponents 132-89, which is slightly higher than the Gators’ margin.

Clemson’s opponents have amassed 150 shots on goal this season, while the Tigers have totaled 220, for a .75 shots on goal percentage.

The shot on goal percentage for Clemson’s opponents is .78 – identical to Florida’s percentage.

Kayla Macleod and Lindsey Marshall lead the Tigers scoring. Macleod leads the team with 24 goals and Marshall falls right behind, netting in 23. Brooke Goldstein leads Clemson in assists, with 16 on the season.

Emily Lamparter has started all nine games for the Tigers this season. The senior has a 10.05 goals against average with 76 goals allowed and 55 saves.

The outcome of this matchup guarantees to put someone’s three-game streak to an end. Can Clemson calm the Gators to end its losing skid, or will Florida continue its hot streak and tame the Tigers?

The answer will be revealed at noon Thursday when the two battle it out. The game can be streamed on ACC Network.

Gianna Dowling is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email gmd5738@psu.edu.