NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Emily Heller led all scorers as top-seeded No. 9 Florida took down fourth-seeded Vanderbilt, 17-8, in the American Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals on Thursday afternoon at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex.
Florida (16-2) will advance to the AAC Tournament championship after Heller posted five goals, three of which came in the first quarter. Maggi Hall scored four times for the Gators, three of which came during a 12-0 mid-game scoring run for Florida. Danielle Pavinelli and Gianna Monaco each contributed two goals.
Vanderbilt (9-8) was led by Kemper Robinson, who posted her seventh hat trick of the year. Ella Smith found the back of the cage twice and dished one assist for the Dores, all in the opening period. Brooke Baker posted two goals and Katherine Ernst won four draw controls, tied for the most in the game. Logan Risenhoover had two points off a goal and an assist.
Paige Gunning made 10 saves in the cage for Vandy, marking her third consecutive game with 10 or more. Gunning surpassed 100 saves for the season, the fourth straight year she has passed the mark. Gunning also picked up a game-high four ground balls.
