Gator newcomer Paulina Hersler and her native Sweden finished in sixth place at the World University Games on Monday held in Taipei City, Taiwan.
Hersler and her teammates dropped a tough 86-65 decision to Team USA, which was represented by the University of Maryland.
One of only two who scored in double-figures for the Swedish squad, Hersler finished with 12 points, four rebounds, one steal and a blocked show in 24 minutes of action.
Team USA jumped out to a 13-4 lead after the first five minutes of play and never looked back to take fifth place at the international event.
This was the sixth and final game of the World University Games for Sweden and Hersler, who started all six games for the squad.
Hersler at the World University Games
- The Gator started all six games for Sweden.
- Hersler finished as Sweden’s second-leading scorer with 9.7 points per game and top shot-blocker with five overall.
- Tallied seven steals and converted 12-of-14 free throws during the six-game run.
Hersler at a Glance
- Hersler is a 6-foot-3 graduate transfer from UCLA who has one season of eligibility remaining and will suit up for the Gators in 2017-18.
- Hersler has already taken summer classes at Florida and departed Gainesville on August 4 for Sweden to begin preparations for the international event.
Sweden’s Game Schedule
- August 21 defeated Hungary: 85-57
- August 22 lost to Chinese Taipei: 65-58
- August 23 defeated Chile: 82-39
- August 25: Quarterfinals lost to Japan, 90-51
- August 26: defeated CZE: 85-76
- August 28: 5th-6th Place Game: lost to USA, 85-76
VIDEO: Get to Know Paulina!
Quick Info about the World University Games, from the event’s official website:
- The only summer multi-sport event in the world that connects students at both academic and athletic levels
- Held every other year
- 12 days of sports competitions
- 2017 marks the event’s 29th year
- More than 9,000 student-athletes and officials from over 170 countries
- 14 compulsory sports and up to 3 optional sports
- Volunteers and participants are students, generally of the same age
- Broadcasted by more than 100 TV channels
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