Despite losing two of its last three games, Florida softball isn’t feeling the pressure heading into postseason play.
In fact, they’re about as relaxed as they’ve ever been.
At the end of Wednesday’s infield practice during a scorching day, the players and coaches converged in the circle. Despite the fast-paced ground ball drills and high level of intensity all practice, some infielders wanted to have a little fun at the end.
"We were getting ready to break and kind of go over our next couple days of routine with the infielders and [they said], ‘can I throw a pitch?’ and I’m like, ‘yeah, go ahead,’" coach Tim Walton said.
Among those to throw a pitch was Lauren Haeger.
Haeger, who’s 24-1 this season in the circle and leads the Southeastern Conference with a 1.47 ERA, is no stranger to pitching. But she’s accomplished all of that with her right arm.
She stepped in the circle at the end of practice and threw a pitch with her left arm. The ball sailed over the catcher’s head, leaving the players and coaches behind her laughing.
"That was really bad," Haeger said with a chuckle.
Haeger, a senior set to start her final postseason run, knows what it takes to get back to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series. That’s why she tries to keep the atmosphere fun and loose for her teammates.
"That’s how all of our practices are," Haeger said. "If you’re not having fun, you’re not gonna win."
Second baseman Kelsey Stewart also fired a pitch from the circle despite having never pitched in her career at Florida. Walton said he likes how his team understands the difference between work and fun.
"[That was] the tail end of what was a long day for those guys, and they were still ready to have fun," Walton said. "I love that about them."
Postseason play is a time when players really focus on practicing and preparing for games without dealing with classes, which Haeger values.
"Postseason’s super fun," Haeger said. "We all talk about it. We’re like, ‘postseason’s awesome.’ You just play softball and that’s so nice you don’t have to worry about class or anything like that."
There’s also inevitably a lot of downtime outside of practice and games during the postseason. Senior shortstop Kathlyn Medina said it becomes a great opportunity for the team to bond.
"We have team dinners, team breakfasts – this morning we went to Peach Valley," Medina said. "We’re just enjoying each other’s company."
The Gators will have the upper hand during this weekend’s regional play because all games will be played in Gainesville at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, marking the 13th consecutive season that Florida will host an NCAA regional.
Medina said this is a big advantage for them because they’re so familiar with the stadium.
"I love this field and I feel comfortable on this field," Medina said. "We know our field like the back of our hand. I mean, I could stand out there with a blindfold on and probably be able to do something, so it’s a good thing to have."
The Gators, who were named the No. 1 overall seed for the tournament, will take on Florida A&M for their first game of the weekend on Friday at 6 p.m. The teams in UF’s regional include the Rattlers, Florida Atlantic and Hofstra.
Medina and the team aren’t paying too much attention to the seeding.
"If we come in here thinking it’s just gonna be an easy road to the World Series, then I think we could get snake bit as I like to say," Medina said. "So we just have to make sure we’re taking everybody seriously."
Follow Patrick Pinak on Twitter @Pinakk12
UF's Lauren Haeger pitches during Florida's 7-1 win against Kansas on Feb. 21 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
