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The Florida Gator softball team (56-5) advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals on Sunday after beating the UCF Knights (38-22) by way of an 8-0 run-rule victory.
Florida sophomore Aleshia Ocasio started in the circle for the Gators, improving her record to 22-1 while UCF’s senior pitcher Shelby Turnier fell to 21-18 on the season.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the second, senior Taylore Fuller put Florida on the board first with a two-run single that scored fellow seniors, Aubree Munro and Kirsti Merritt.
Fuller says it’s important to begin a game with offensive momentum.
Florida’s defense was solid against the Knights, the Orange and Blue allowed zero runs and only three hits.
The Gators have also played 50 consecutive innings without an error after today’s win.
Florida softball head coach Tim Walton says he is proud of the way his team has handled their success.
With two Gators on base in the bottom of the third, UCF made a change in the circle as senior Jessica Ujvari came on in relief. A Kirsti Merritt bunt loaded the bases for Florida, but UCF’s defense held strong to end the third inning.
Florida’s offense looked unstoppable in the bottom of the fourth. With two Gators down, an Amanda Lorenz single sent Aubree Munro in for Florida’s third score.
With bases loaded, Kelsey Stewart decided to steal home as Taylore Fuller walked in an unearned run. Stewart scored easily because Ujvari had her back turned to home plate.
A three-run Nicole DeWitt homer sealed the deal for the Gators, making the score 8-0.
DeWitt says she made some adjustments to her previous at-bats before she delivered the final scores.
Up next, Florida will play the No. 16 seed Georgia Bulldogs in next weekend’s NCAA Super Regional.
LET'S DO IT!! Florida-Georgia Super Regional is set!!#RoadToWCWS #GoGators #D1softball pic.twitter.com/rvKjlyOj3m
— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) May 22, 2016
