Gators women star player crowned 2024 player of the year by the American…

Maggi Hall, named the 2024 American Athletic Conference Attack Player of the Year, contributed six goals and an assist, propelling Florida to a 15-9 victory over No. 4-seeded Maryland in the quarterfinal match of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship on Thursday afternoon.

This triumph marks Florida’s second appearance in the NCAA Final Four, the first since 2012, and establishes them as the inaugural representative of the American Athletic Conference in the women’s lacrosse Final Four. With a record of 20-2, Florida, the reigning American Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champions, extends their program-record winning streak to 20 consecutive games.

Dominating performances in earlier rounds against North Carolina and Virginia underscored Florida’s commanding presence, as they seized control early against Maryland with a goal just 32 seconds after the opening draw and maintained a significant lead throughout the game, ultimately securing a decisive victory.

Hall led the charge with a remarkable seven points, matching The American’s single-season record with 114 points this season, achieved through 60 goals and 54 assists, a feat shared with Isabella Peterson from James Madison University last year. Danielle Pavinelli contributed two goals and two assists, while Emily Heller added two goals, one assist, and secured four draw controls.

In goal, Elise Finnelle, honored as The American’s Goalkeeper of the Year, made 10 crucial saves, restricting the Terrapins to just nine goals on 36 shots.

Florida advances to the national semifinals scheduled for May 24 in Cary, North Carolina, where they will confront the victor of Thursday’s late quarterfinal showdown between No. 8-seeded Penn and No. 1-seeded Northwestern.

Florida’s prior Final Four appearance took place in 2012, marking the third season of varsity lacrosse in Gainesville. Despite entering the tournament as the No. 1 seed after clinching the American Lacrosse Conference title, the Gators suffered a narrow 14-13 defeat to Syracuse in the semifinals.