The top ranked Florida softball team lose big to the Tigers from LSU in a 10-3 rout on Sunday. LSU improves to 27-1 on the year while Florida falls to 28-2 as the Tigers take two of three in the series.
LSU shortstop Bianka Bell torched the Gators from the batter’s box. Bell drove in five runs with a home run and a double; she and outfielder Bailey Landry singlehandedly finished with more hits than the entire Gator lineup. Florida pitcher Lauren Haeger admitted after the game that the team was not surprised with LSU’s offensive surge.
“All their statistics show that’s what they are going to come out and do. That’s what we were prepared for.”
The only offense the Gators were able to muster was from a Kirsti Merritt three-run home run. LSU pitcher Kelsee Selman kept the Florida offense in check, striking out 11 and allowing only four hits. Despite the series loss, Merritt believes the team is going to maintain its composure.
“I don’t think we’ll ever overreact. We’ll just prepare for ourselves…I don’t think there is anything to overreact, they are a good team and we are a good team.”
The Gators will be hitting the road this weekend to Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide. Florida defeated Alabama in the College World Series to win the national championship last season.
For full audio clips of quotes above and more, click below:
Walton is not going to overreact
Walton saw a LSU team outplay Florida
Merritt set to make adjustments this week in practice