Gator Softball Wins First Home Games of Season, Sweeps Jacksonville in Doubleheader

The number one ranked Florida Gator softball team returned home on Wednesday for the first time since winning the 2015 Women’s College World Series. The Gators swept the Jacksonville University Dolphins in a doubleheader, winning the first game 6-0, and the second game 10-0.

In the first game, the Gators got off to a slow start and were held scoreless in the first inning for the first time this season. However, senior Taylor Schwarz finally got things going for the Gators in the third inning, scoring the first run of the game. Kirsti Merritt, Justine McLean and Amanda Lorenz  all added runs in the third, and the Gators never looked back from there. Freshman Amanda Lorenz had a two run single to highlight the inning.  Aleshia Ocasio was phenomenal from the circle, recording a no-hitter (the program’s first since 2014) while striking out seven.

Congratulations to @AleshiaOcasio on throwing the 16th no-hitter in @GatorsSB history! #GoGators pic.twitter.com/3nb312hzjq

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) February 18, 2016

Florida got off to a fast start in the second game, scoring three runs in the first inning, followed by four in the second and then three in the third. Kelsey Stewart, Amanda Lorenz and Taylore Fuller each scored two runs as the Gators run-ruled the Dolphins 10-0. Kayli Kvistad drove in four runs with a pair of two run doubles in the contest.  Freshman Kelly Barnhill took over for Ocasio in the circle and struck out seven while allowing only one hit.

Ocasio says Florida’s defense is the reason behind the team’s no-hitters and one-hitters.

The Gators have now outscored opponents this season 54-1. Florida will be back in action this weekend at the Diamond 9 Tournament in Orlando.