Gators grab Game One of Supers versus Georgia
With years of postseason tension between them, Florida struck first—and struck hard—claiming a 6-1 win over Georgia to open their Super Regional showdown.
These two teams share a long and intense rivalry. Florida leads the all-time series 47-32, but Georgia has knocked the Gators out of Super Regional play twice in the last nine years. That recent history added an extra layer of intensity to the series opener, which showed right away in the first inning.
Free bases have been the Bulldogs’ Achilles’ heel all year long. And the Gators took advantage of this early in the first. After a hit batter and a walk put two runners on, Reagan Walsh launched a three-run homer to give Florida an early 3-0 lead.
Keagan Rothrock, however, was the star of the game in the circle for Florida.
The sophomore delivered a complete-game two-hitter with seven strikeouts. Her only rough patch came in the sixth inning, when Georgia scored its lone run following a throwing error. With the bases loaded and one out, Rothrock escaped the jam and shut the door on the Bulldogs’ momentum.
Top 10
- 1New
Kirk Herbstreit
Names Top 5 after Week 3
- 2
National Title Odds
Big shakeup after Week 3
- 3Hot
Top 10 Heisman Poll
Updated contenders after Week 3
- 4Trending
The Field of 68
Joins On3 | Rivals
- 5
Joel Klatt
Releases updated Top 10
Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Rothrock’s command kept Georgia’s lineup off balance all day. Dallis Goodnight and Emma Castorri recorded the Bulldogs’ only hits. Despite managing four baserunners and several chances with runners in scoring position, Georgia left five on base. Florida’s defense held strong, and its offense proved too much to handle.
Ava Brown had a two-run home run in the fifth and went 2-4. This was Brown’s seventh home run in the last 11 games. Kendra Falby was also a big piece of Florida’s offense, going 1-4 with an RBI double to cap off Florida’s six runs.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. Florida is one win away from eliminating Georgia, while the Bulldogs will fight to stay alive.
More from Softball America:
Super Regional Coverage
Coaching Carousel Discussion Board
Transfer Portal Wire
