After a down 2023 campaign, Florida Softball appears to be back in 2024
The Gators took the series from Alabama and are ranked in the top ten heading into the weekend
2023 didn't go great for Florida Softball. Even though they made the NCAA Tournament, they were not selected as a Regional host and were bounced out of the tournament prior to Super Regionals, a rarity for the Gators under Tim Walton.
But thanks to a renewed pitching staff and just enough timely hitting, the Gators are back as genuine contenders to reach Oklahoma City in 2024.
Florida Softball: I'm Back
Last weekend was a big weekend for the Gators. On the road in Tuscaloosa the Gators went into the teeth of SEC play and emerged with a statement win that should hold value all the way into the NCAA Tournament.
Florida not only took two out of three games from the Crimson Tide on the road, but they highlighted what this team can be when it is at its peak.
Keagan Rothrock has continued to be unfazed as a freshman. Her start against Alabama was her first time stepping into a truly hostile environment and she looked like a super senior taking advantage of her bonus Covid season. Seven innings and just one hit later, Rothrock picked up the complete game shutout.
But as we have highlighted all season for the Gators and was frankly still existent during that 2-0 victory, Florida has showcased all season long they can pound mid-major pitching but wilt against Power Five pitching. 10 hits and 11 runs later on Sunday gave the Gators an 11-2 run-rule victory over Alabama.
With the series win, the Gators are now ranked 10th and after run-ruling Stetson yesterday are 22-4 on the season.
The Gators have five hitters with at least a .400 batting average, led by Skylar Wallace and Jocelyn Erickson. If any of that hitting can start to translate to SEC play, Florida has demonstrated that its pitching isn't just a one trick pony that overpowers weaker hitting.
And if all of that can come together, Florida Softball might just be back for good in 2024.