Gator Country

Florida freshman Shannon Gilroy during the Gators' 6-4 NCAA first round win against the University of Albany on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / Gator Country photo by Saj Guevara

It was not graceful or pretty, but a win is a win. In the postseason where it's win or go home, it's all that matters.

The No. 1 Florida Gators (18-2, 5-0) pulled out a 6-4 win against the No. 16 UAlbany Great Danes (12-6, 3-3) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. The Gators will play the winner of the game between No. 9 Penn State and No.8 Towson in the Elite Eight at 12:30 p.m. next Saturday in Gainesville, Fla.

The match began with a quick goal by the Gators, which began a 4-0 run. UAlbany struck back with two consecutive goals, but never receovered from the early deficit vs. UF.

The game was characterized by possession and conservative play, all coming from the Great Danes. Their game plan was to slow down the tempo and not let Florida touch the ball.

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