After advancing to the Women's College World Series for three consecutive seasons, the Gators are ranked No. 5 in the nation. But even the national recognition isn't enough to earn the Gators respect in their own conference.
UF, which will officially kick off the 2011 campaign today in Clearwater, is predicted to finish fifth in the Southeastern Conference, third in the SEC East, according to a preseason poll by league coaches.
However, this may not be so much a reflection on the Gators but the quickly improving league as a whole.
“We’re ranked No. 5 in the country, fifth in the SEC, so I think that’s a little bit of irony but also just shows you exactly where we’re at in the country as far as the league’s concerned,” [Coach Tim] Walton said.
The Gators will have plenty of chances to prove their doubters wrong as they host No. 3 Alabama, No. 4 Georgia and No. 7 Tennessee at home this season.
“Preseason rankings are more of a compliment to what you’ve done in the past,” Walton said. “I put zero stock in it. I can’t even vote for myself.”
But Before Florida can concern itself with the improved competition of the SEC, the Gators must get through a demanding nonconference slate.
And for the fifth time in his six years at Florida, Walton’s team will once again have to start the journey to Oklahoma City on the road.
Coming off a 49-10 season in which they were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the WCWS, the Gators will begin their quest for a title as they travel more than two hours to take part in the USF Wilson DeMarini Tournament.
The opportunity to play on the road for the opening series is actually beneficial for building chemistry, Walton said.
While playing away can be challenging, it allows him to control certain elements he can't at home, such as team meals and how players prepare, and players may be paired with potential future roommates. Having veterans to keep the young players grounded also helps maintain balance.
The team's opening-day doubleheader will begin against Marshall at 6 p.m.
The Gators will then face Florida Gulf Coast at 8 p.m. in the nightcap.
UF is also scheduled to play Long Island and NC State on Saturday before a matchup with USF on Sunday.
