The top ranked and undefeated Florida Gator softball team (27-0) cannot seem to catch a break this season. With LSU coming into town, the match up marks the third straight week the Gators face a team ranked second in the country. Not to mention the Tigers (25-0) also own a perfect record on the season.
The last time two top-five teams clashed at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium was in 2011 when the fourth ranked Gators swept the third ranked Tennessee Volunteers.
UF pitcher Aleshia Ocasio believes the competition they faced in California got them ready for LSU and the rest of the SEC.
“I think California really prepared us because we faced some adversity,” she said.
Ocasio has been in top form since the start of the season. The fact that she is a freshman is surprising. She is holding opponents to a .141 batting average with a 0.69 earned run average. Gator coach Tim Walton commented on the one aspect that attributes to the overall success of his pitching staff.
“Throwing every pitch with a purpose I think is the one big key our coaches talk about with our pitchers. And they can assure that they have command of their pitches. Go where they want them to go with the speed in which they want them to go. Don’t be a thrower, be a pitcher.”
The Florida Gators and LSU Tigers begin their three-game series tonight at 6 p.m. Saturday’s start time will be 1 p.m. and Sunday’s first pitch will be at noon.
For full audio clips of quotes above and more, click below:
Walton says the team is now 0-0 entering SEC play
Walton compares both UF and LSU
Walton wants to break the home attendance record this weekend