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GAINESVILLE - Ashley Kellgren made a penalty kick with less than a minute left and Florida defeated Tennessee 1-0 in the NCAA Round of 16 Saturday in front of 2,082 at Percy Beard Stadium.
Florida (19-3-2) outshot the Vols 11-4 in evening the season series at 1-1-1.
The Gators best scoring chance of the first half came at 29:41 when a Melanie Booth corner kick found the feet of Katie Johnston, whose shot was deflected by keeper Vanessa Phillips-Bosshart to the head of Florida defender Ansley Myrick. Myrick headed the ball past the near post and over the end line.
Tennessee's best chance came when a shot toward the goal found Gator defender Monica Hoyles' head instead of the back of the Florida net. Hoyles headed the ball to keeper Brittni Goodwin and the ball was cleared.
With a little over a minute left, Florida took possession deep in its half and moved past midfield. Robin Fulton made a dash toward the net and Fulton was fouled by defender Marie-Eve Nault. Kellgren converted on the penalty kick with 59 seconds left.
"I knew Ashley would make the kick," Florida coach Becky Burleigh said. "She has been practicing all week and she can go either left or right."
Florida plays the winner of today's Florida State-West Virginia match in the quarterfinal round. Florida defeated the Seminoles 2-0 Sept. 5 in Gainesville. Florida never has played West Virginia.
The Gators also made the quarterfinals in 1996, '98 and '01. The NCAA will announce the location, day and time tonight.
"I think the difference today was that Florida really took it to us," Vols coach Angela Kelly said. "The better team won."