The N0 1. Florida Gator Softball team (22-0) is red hot as they come into the double header against the South Dakota Coyotes (2-18). The Gators are one of two undefeated teams (UT Arlington 18-0) left in Division I softball. South Dakota is the final tune up for the Florida softball team as they begin SEC conference play. This is the first meeting between the two schools.
The Coyotes have been on a four game losing streak with their last win against LIU Brooklyn on March 4. They are currently the last place team in the Summit Conference. At the plate, the Coyotes have struggled average 2.9 runs a game, with a team batting average of .242. Their opponents though have a field day at the plate averaging seven runs a game, with a batting average of .364. Their top batter is Yvon Minogue with a batting average of a .453 (No. 1 in the Summit Conference) and three home runs (No. 5 in the Summit Conference). Melissa Frain is the best pitcher for South Dakota with an ERA of 5.48.
The Gators are on a 23 game winning streak (one game from last year included). They are currently the top team in the country. The Gators hit the ball well as they average 6.95 runs a game (No. 17 in the NCAA) , with a team batting average of .367 (No. 11 in the NCAA). Though what carries the Gators so far this season is their opponents struggle trying to find a run against Florida’s pitchers averaging a .63 earned run average (No. 1 in the the NCAA), with a batting average of .148. Amanda Lorenz is the Gators top batter averaging a .483 (No. 9 in the SEC). Janell Wheaton leads the team with five home runs thus far this season. The Gators best pitcher, Aleishia Ocasio, has a .41 ERA (No. 3 in the NCAA).
With this double header Wednesday, the Gators look to remain undefeated heading into SEC Play.
The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+ and can be heard on WGGG-AM starting at 4 p.m.