Florida Softball Shuts Out UCF in Return to Win Column
After losing its unbeaten record against in-state opponents to Florida State on Wednesday, No. 5 Florida came into Friday’s matchup looking to respond.
Behind a five-run fifth inning, the Gators shut out No. 22 UCF 7-0 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, improving to 12-1 against in-state rivals.
Keagan Rothrock made her second straight start in the circle, marking her first back-to-back starts since the 2025 NCAA Regionals.
The junior didn’t let the workload slow her down. Rothrock tossed six scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out three.
“She’s really putting more time into the opponent and what she needs to do with her pitches to be really good,” Florida coach Tim Walton said.
Both teams came out strong defensively, keeping the game scoreless through the first few innings.
Florida’s infield, which has been a strength all season, delivered again. In the third inning, Gabi Comia turned an unassisted double play, snagging a line drive and diving back to second base to double off Zoe Calvez.
“It’s pretty impressive to watch her play defense. I mean, really our whole infield has had a fantastic year,” Walton said.
Florida (44-7, 16-5 SEC) broke through in the third. Jocelyn Erickson lined a single up the middle before Kendall Grover gave the Gators the lead with a two-run homer to left that ricocheted off the scoreboard.
Grover became the fifth Gator to reach double-digit home runs this season, joining Erickson, Kenleigh Cahalan, Taylor Shumaker and Cassidy McLellan.
“Not at all. This is more than I could have asked for in my decision to transfer here, so I’m very grateful,” Grover said when asked what she envisioned when transferring to Florida.
Holding a 2-0 lead entering the fifth against a tough UCF (36-12-1, 12-8-1 Big 12) squad, Florida delivered the knockout inning.
Shumaker led off with her 16th home run of the season, a solo shot to center field that pushed the lead to 3-0. After Grover was hit by a pitch, UCF turned to freshman Ava Stuewe in relief of Isabella Vega, but the Gators kept the pressure on.
Townsen Thomas followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Cahalan then dropped down a bunt that resulted in a throwing error, allowing Grover to score. A wild pitch brought Thomas home, and Ava Brown capped the inning with a two-run homer to right-center, extending the lead to 7-0.
Florida was unable to push across one more run for the run-rule, leading Walton to turn to Katelynn Oxley to close it out.
After issuing a leadoff walk, Oxley settled in and retired the next three batters in order with help from her infield to secure the win.
The two teams will meet again Saturday at UCF Softball Complex for the finale of the home-and-home series. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
Category: Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Softball
