ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Interstat) — The Navy women’s basketball team used a dominant second quarter and a standout performance from Zanai Barnett-Gay to hand the Florida Gators their first loss of the season, 69-54, on Sunday at Alumni Hall.

In a matchup where the Midshipmen were significant underdogs according to advanced metrics, they controlled the game for the final three quarters in front of 825 fans. The victory improved Navy’s record to 3-0, while Florida fell to 4-1.

The game was tightly contested in the opening period, which ended in an 18-18 tie. The momentum shifted decisively in the second quarter, where Navy outscored Florida 21-13. The Midshipmen’s defense stifled the Gators, holding them to just six points in the third quarter to build a commanding 53-37 lead heading into the final frame. Florida mounted a late push with 17 fourth-quarter points but could not close the gap.

Barnett-Gay, a guard from Glenn Dale, Maryland, led all scorers with 22 points and added eight rebounds in 32 minutes. She was instrumental in Navy’s efficient offensive attack. The Midshipmen shot 47 percent from the field and a sharp 45 percent from three-point range, making 10 of 22 attempts.

Julianna Almeida facilitated the offense masterfully, dishing out eight assists to go with 12 points and seven rebounds. Zoe Mesuch contributed 15 points, including three three-pointers. In the post, Morgan Demos controlled the glass with 12 rebounds and added eight points.

Florida struggled offensively throughout the game. The Gators shot just 29 percent from the field and 19 percent from beyond the arc. They also left points at the free-throw line, converting only 11 of 19 attempts.

Laila Reynolds led the Gators with 19 points and five assists. Me’Arah O’Neal scored 14 points and blocked two shots, while Nyadieng Yiech added 12 points.

Navy’s defensive pressure was a key factor, as they forced 13 Florida turnovers while committing 19 of their own. The Gators managed nine steals but could not translate those opportunities into consistent scoring.

The two teams are scheduled for a quick rematch, with Florida returning to Alumni Hall to face Navy again on Tuesday.