Gators barely break a sweat against Georgia and are one win away from the WCWS

Even though Florida entered Super Regionals against Georgia as the clear favorites to advance to the Women's College World Series, a nagging piece of recent history gave all Gator fans pause. In the previous two meetings between Florida and Georgia in Super Regionals, Florida was the favorite both times and wound up getting swept both times.

There is still one more game to go out and win, but at least in Game One of Super Regionals, the Gators made it seem like they had exhausted those ghosts as Florida cruised to a 6-1 victory.

Florida Gators Softball is one win away from WCWS

The party started early for Florida, both litteraly and metaphorically. The Gators had no issues responding to the 11 AM start time, and within four batters in the bottom of the 1st, they were up 3-0 after Regan Walsh launched one over the roof in left field.

The Gators tacked on three more in the 5th inning to make it 6-0 off an Ava Brown home run and a Kendry Falby RBI double.

But perhaps the bigger story for Florida was the day Keagan Rothrock had in the circle. Since coming back from her midseason injury, Rothrock hadn't looked like the ace that earned her the 2024 SEC Freshman of the Year and had some rough outings through SEC play.

But on Friday, she looked like she was back to her old form and went a complete game with just two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. Rothrock ran into a little bit of trouble in the 6th inning, some of which was aided by a comically bad ball call on an obvious check swing, but was able to get out of it with just one run allowed.

She also got some help from her defense when Taylor Shumaker doubled off Georgia in the 4th inning.

The win moves Florida just one win away from going back to Oklahoma City. Historically, teams that win game one of Super Regionals go on to win the series 80% of the time.

First pitch for game two will be on Saturday at 11 AM.