Florida Softball: Gators one win away from Women's College World Series

Coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign, outside expectations for Florida Softball weren't the most promising. The Gators were ranked in preseason polls, but were not on the radar of making a trip to Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series.

50 wins later, Florida just needs one more win to get back to a place that is the standard for the program.

Florida Softball: One More Time

Baylor earned its spot to face Florida in the Super Regional round after upsetting Louisiana during the Regional round. Baylor had been getting some votes in the national polls, but most betting odds heavily favored Florida.

But in the top of the first, it was Baylor looking poised for a massive inning. Skylar Wallace had a chance at an inning ending double play, but the ball skipped away from her to allow the inning to continue. Baylor scored a run and had the bases loaded as Keagan Rothrock had to labor through a 40 pitch first inning.

But as Rothrock settled in and kept the damage to just one run, Florida quickly reminded Baylor why the Gators are the number four national seed in this tournament. It took just 22 pitches for Florida to plate three runs after Katie Kistler hit a two-run double.

Baylor was able to cut it to 3-2 after a home run in the third inning. After that home run, just two more Baylor batters reached base, neither of whom made it past first. When Korbe Otis hit a solo shot of her own in the 5th, Florida was able to cruise home for the 4-2 victory.

Florida last made the WCWS in 2022 and are seeking their 12th overall trip to Oklahoma City. The Gators have never failed to advance out of Super Regionals after winning game one.

Game two is on Saturday at 11 AM. Florida advances with a win. If Baylor wins, a winner take all game three will be on Sunday.