For Pavinelli, the loss of Sarcona not only means the loss of her best friend, but also an inspiration. Sarcona’s ability to put her team first above her competitiveness always inspired Pavinelli, she said.
Sunday’s game was initially going to mark the first and likely only time the childhood friends would face each other in college on the lacrosse field.
“Now it’s just going to be a way to remember her and remember what it was like to play lacrosse together,” Pavinelli said. “We are going to play for her. Colorado’s going to play for her.”
Since Sarcona’s death, the game has become special for those in the lacrosse community from coast to coast. Another close friend of Sarcona’s from Northport, Bryant senior Madison McNally, plans to attend. Her teammates surprised McNally with an airline ticket for the trip to Florida for the special tribute.
Gators assistant coach Taryn VanThof said that while the tragedy has been a jolt to Pavinelli, the entire Gator team has offered its support during a difficult time.
“Having 31 best friends here makes it a little bit different,” VanThof said. “It’s going to be a really emotional game because it was a loss that hit everyone.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA COLE
The commemorative wristband the Gators are wearing in honor of Julia Sarcona.
The Gators and Buffs will remember Sarcona by not only wearing the commemorative wristbands, but also T-shirts and patches with Sarcona’s No. 15 on them. Many of Pavinelli’s friends, along will Sarcona’s family, will also be there to honor their friend and daughter.
Regardless of who wins Sunday, Pavinelli said she just hopes she can make the weekend a very special tribute to her friend. While Sarcona may be gone, she will never be forgotten.
Not by anyone who knew her.
“It’s going to be a really emotional weekend for all of us,” Pavinelli said. “We’re really just trying to make this as special as we can for her, because all of us are going to be playing for her.”