While the UF softball team has had no problem driving in runs this season, Florida has left its fair share of runs on the basepaths.
The Gators have scored 87 runs through 11 games, but have stranded 77 runners on base – something coach Tim Walton wants his hitters to improve on.
"You watch our team grind out the number of people we put on base and not be able to come through with that one – not even one big hit, just a hit," Walton said.
Walton also said he’d like to see at-bats from his hitters produce more quality outs – which he specified as an out that may not produce a hit but advances the runner(s).
"I just don’t like wasting opportunities," he said.
Haeger racks up awards: Lauren Haeger is simply a winner.
After an impressive week in the circle and in the batter’s box last week, the senior won three major national awards — the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week, NFCA National Player of the Week and USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week.
This marks the first time in her career that she’s won either national player of the week awards.
The Peoria, Arizona, native tossed 15 scoreless innings in three wins over Jacksonville, Iowa and N.C. State last week, improving to 5-0 on the season.
She also struck out 24 batters and allowed eight hits during the stretch.
At the plate, Haeger hit .533 with a home run, a double and 10 RBI. She also walked five times and scored six runs throughout the week.
"She’s pitching now, where I always felt that Lauren lived off her adrenaline and was a thrower, now I think she’s pitching a lot better," Walton said.
"She has a lot better command of her pitches."
Freshmen proving worth early on: Freshman Aleshia Ocasio has not only contributed early on, but has played a big role in Florida’s 11-0 start.
The St. Cloud native is 3-0 and has posted a miniscule 0.65 ERA through 21.2 innings of work. She’s compiled 36 strikeouts while giving up only two earned runs, three walks and 12 hits.
Ocasio’s small body of work also includes the Gators’ biggest win of the season – a 2-1 victory over then-No. 8 Michigan on Feb. 7. The game was the freshman’s first career collegiate start – in which she struck out 10 through seven innings, allowing zero earned runs in her first collegiate win.
Kayli Kvistad leads the way for Florida freshmen at the plate. The Lake City native is hitting .375 with two doubles, one home run and nine RBI – third best on the team.
"Being so successful right out of the gate is huge for them and their confidence," junior catcher Aubree Munro said.
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Coach Tim Walton was more than happy to empty his bench in Florida's 19-3 win over Florida A&M on Wednesday. “I think overall the main priority is to get everybody at-bats and to keep our timing right," he said.
