Entering the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, the Florida Gators Softball team had one objective: win. So far, they have just that. After two impressive wins over the No. 10 UCLA Bruins and NC State, the Gators are looking to build on that success with a double header against No. 8 Washington and Nebraska.
Washington heads into their matchup with the Gators at 9-1 overall. Their first loss came at the hands of Texas A&M during in their first game of the tournament, but they have bounced back with two nice wins against Central Michigan and UCF. Washington is a team known for their offensive output as they have averaged close to a whopping 11 runs per game. This matchup will be a fascinating clash between the best pitching team in the country facing off against one of the best hitting teams in the country.
After Washington, the team heads right into a game against Nebraska. The Cornhuskers enter the tournament at 8-1 with their only loss coming on the road against North Carolina State. Nebraska is a balanced team that does a good job holding their opponents to low run totals. Opponents are averaging only three runs per game against Nebraska, while they are scoring roughly six runs a game. For the Gators, keeping Nebraska off the scoreboard will be key giving their offense a chance to break through the tough Nebraska pitching.
As the Gators move through the tournament, the competition only gets tougher. With another double header against a top-ten opponent, the Gators need near flawless play to achieve their tournament goal.