The road to a second national title for the Florida softball team is about to get tougher.
The No. 1 Gators will be heading to California for its biggest test of the year: two tournaments and 11 games in a span of nine days. UF enters the road trip with a 17-0 record and on the heels of an 11-0 home stand and a win against No. 17 UCF.
"The competition in California is going to be really good," junior outfielder Kirsti Merritt said. "I expect really good pitching and some good defense, some better pitching than what we’ve been seeing."
The Gators won’t have to wait long to face another top team in the country, as they will face No. 2 Oregon today as part of the San Diego Classic I. The Ducks will enter the game with a 14-1 record.
Florida will also play against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo today in its second game of a doubleheader. UF will also face off against UC Davis, San Diego and San Diego State in its first tournament.
"It’s starting to get down to the nitty-gritty and we’re going to really prepare," Merritt said.
UF will then face Long Beach State in Long Beach before heading off to Fullerton, California, for the Judi Garman Classic.
The opening game will be a rematch against No. 3 Michigan, who Florida defeated 2-1 on Feb. 7. Aleshia Ocasio pitched a complete game against the Wolverines while striking out 10 and scoring the game winning run.
Ocasio will be counted on to continue her strong start to the year and she said she’s ready to face stiffer competition.
UF will play against San Jose State, the same day as its rematch against Michigan.
On March 6, the Gators will have their hardest games of the year, as they will be facing two ranked opponents. Their first game will be against No. 15 Arizona before a rematch against Oregon.
Florida will end its California road trip against Fresno State and then head home for the beginning of Southeastern Conference play against LSU.
Even though the team has an undefeated record through 17 games this year, coach Tim Walton needs his team to improve.
"Going to have to get better, but it’s good," Walton said. "You don’t win national championships in February and you don’t win them in March, it’s all about continually getting better and to be the best, you have to play the best."
Follow Luis Torres on Twitter @LFTorresIII
Kirsti Merritt bats during UF's 17-1 win against USF on April 23 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
