University of Florida Men's RFC

The Gators were back on track from the beginning by scoring their first try within 10 minutes of the game thanks to Laurence Kidd.

Ryan Carley scored the second try less than 5 minutes later. Lucas Baistrocchi missed both conversions, with his first kick banking off the right post.

Minutes later, Baistrocchi kicked the ball down the field, but was unable to retrieve the ball and score because one of Kentucky’s players grabbed Baistrocchi and kicked him. However, the ref awarded the Gators a penalty try, stating he would have scored without the misconduct.

Mitch Taulbee then had a breakaway and scored the Gators’ fourth try of the game. Baistrocchi made both of those conversions, putting the Gators up 24-0.

Baistrocchi missed a penalty kick, but responded by scoring a try with 7 minutes left in the first half. He missed the conversion, but put the Gators up 29-0.

Fernando Carlo’s pass was intercepted by Kentucky deep inside the Wildcat’s half. Kentucky took it all the way down the field for their lone try of the game, 37 minutes into the first half.

The Gators were able to quickly respond and squeeze in the final score before halftime. Kidd scored his second try of the game and Baistrocchi made the conversion, putting the Gators up 36-7 going into the second half. Baistrocchi converted three of the Gators’ six tries in the first half.

After halftime, Kentucky never had a chance to catch their breath. Jason Lentz scored a try less than 30 seconds into the half. Baistrocchi converted the try, leaving the Wildcats farther behind 43-7.

The Gators had soon used used all their substitutions.

Alban de Crecy and Lentz showed no mercy by scoring two more tries. Baistrocchi missed both conversions, but they were not needed, as Florida was up 53-7 with 30 minutes left in the game.

Josh Nicdao and Geronimo Guzman both scored their first tries of the game, which was followed by another one from Baistrocchi, who had three for the game, including the penalty try. Lentz then scored his third and final try of the game, but Baistrocchi was unable to convert and banked his kick off the post for the second time that day.

Baistrocchi admitted his kicks were off, stating his hip flexor was bothering him. He only converted one try out of the seven in the second half.

The Gators travel to Nashville next weekend to take on Vanderbilt, 1-1, who beat Ole Miss two weeks ago 17-15. The Gators can’t afford another loss if they want a shot at the SEC championship.


Match report written by Caitlin Hartley