Florida Softball Advances To Regional Final

The Florida Gator softball (52-6) team has done it once again. Florida will be advancing to the finals of its NCAA Regional in Gainesville after a 2-0 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday.

We're onto the Regional Finals tomorrow after a 2-0 win vs. Oklahoma State! Kelly Barnhill had 15K's & Aleshia Ocasio had the winning RBIs! pic.twitter.com/1DBLSiQcyc

— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) May 20, 2017

Recap

Kelly Barnhill (23-1) made the first post season start of her career on Saturday and got the win, throwing a one hit shutout.  In fact, the game was a pitcher’s duel until the bottom of the fourth inning when the Gator scored their two runs.

With one out Nicole DeWitt drew a walk and Kayli Kvistad followed up with a single to left field. Jordan Roberts was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Aleshia Ocasio then ripped a single that scored  DeWitt and Kvistad.  The Gators managed just three hits in the game but Barnhill made it stand up in the circle as she fanned 15 Oklahoma State hitters.

Florida has not allowed a run in NCAA Regional play since 2013, a streak of 82 consecutive scoreless innings.

For the first time this tournament, a @GatorsSB pitcher gave up a hit.

It just took 10 2/3 innings. pic.twitter.com/GCmqOWXY2Q

— espnW (@espnW) May 20, 2017

Up Next

The Gators  now advance to the NCAA Regional final on Sunday, hoping to win and advance to a Super Regional.

Head Coach Tim Walton, Kelly Barnhill & Aleshia Ocasio talk post-game Saturday afternoon after advancing to the Regional Finals. pic.twitter.com/TSbc7xNzUi

— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) May 20, 2017