The Gators softball team is off to the best start in the program’s 19-year history.
No. 1 Florida improved to 26-0 after defeating No. 2 Oregon 5-1 and No. 13 Arizona 10-0 Friday at the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, California.
UF came into the day with 24 straight wins to open the season, which equaled the school record set by the 2011 team.
But the Gators ended the day in sole possession of the record.
Powered by the long ball, the Gators whacked a combined five home runs and scored 15 runs in the two victories.
Kirsti Merritt and Bailey Castro set the tone early against Oregon with solo home runs in the top of the first inning to give UF a 2-0 lead. Both blasts were their sixth of the season.
The Gators tacked on three runs in the fourth inning when Kelsey Stewart drove in a run with a bases-loaded fielder’s choice and Kathlyn Medina scored on Stewart’s stolen base attempt at second base.
Merritt brought home the fifth and final run with a double down the right field line that scored Stewart.
That was more than enough run support for UF starting pitcher Aleshia Ocasio, who allowed one run on a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning. The freshman struck out eight and allowed six hits through seven innings, improving to 9-0.
Against Arizona, Lauren Haeger put Florida on the board early in the first inning with a two-run home run to left field. The dinger was her eighth of the season and marked the Peoria, Arizona, native’s 60th career home run – five away from Megan Bush’s program record.
UF took a 5-0 lead after Briana Little smacked a two-run home run in the fifth inning. The big fly was the senior’s fourth of the season and first since her record-setting three-homer day against Mercer on Feb. 22.
The Gators tacked on five more runs in the sixth inning when Haeger knocked in a run with a single and Taylore Fuller stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. The junior cranked a grand slam, her sixth home run of the season – which ties Merritt and Castro for second-best on the team behind Haeger.
Meanwhile, sophomore Delanie Gourley cruised past the Wildcats in the circle. The southpaw struck out three and allowed three hits through six shutout innings en route to her seventh win of the season.
The Gators will look to improve on their record start as they take on Fresno State Saturday in the final day of the Judi Garman Classic.
Follow Patrick Pinak on Twitter @Pinakk12
Kirsti Merritt bats during UF's 17-1 win against USF on April 23 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
