Jackson Colding is a junior sports journalism major and the Spring 2025 softball reporter. He is in his second semester at the sports desk. In his free time, he likes playing hockey, soccer and going to the gym.
Facing a three-run deficit in the fifth inning, the top of Florida’s order looked to give the team a spark. Freshman right fielder Taylor Shumaker lined a single to left field, and junior catcher Jocelyn Erickson walked to put two runners on to start the inning.
After a month of action away from the diamond, 18 games and 14 wins, Florida starting pitcher Keagan Rothrock finally made her return to the circle on Saturday.
As they faced a 2-0 deficit, most of Wednesday evening had not gone in favor of the No. 4 Florida Gators. However, the UCF Knights delivered the final dagger in the bottom of the fifth inning. Coming into this contest 7-3 in its last 10 against the Knights, and undefeated since a 7-0 loss in Gainesville four years ago, this was unfamiliar territory for Florida.
The No. 4 Florida Gators’ offense came alive against the North Florida Ospreys on Thursday, as UF clinched its 19th run-rule win of 2025 in Jacksonville.
Despite continuing its midweek winning ways against in-state opponents, the No. 4 Florida Gators managed to defeat the Jacksonville University Dolphins, but struggled in doing so.
After getting swept in a doubleheader at home on Saturday by Texas, which clinched a series loss, Florida faced a gut check moment on Monday. Texas, a newcomer to the conference, looked to clinch the sweep in its first SEC series, which Florida did not allow to happen.
Following a gutsy, resilient series win over the No. 5/4 Texas A&M Aggies, the Gators continued their momentum with a home win over the UCF Knights.
Behind a dominant offensive showing, including four home runs, the No. 3 Florida Gators evened the series against the No. 5/4 Texas A&M Aggies to force a winner-take-all game on Sunday.
Despite a valiant effort by freshman pitcher Katelynn Oxley in the circle, the No. 3 Florida Gators drop their SEC opener in College Station to the No. 5/4 Texas A&M Aggies.
The Gators run-ruled a Power Four team in their final midweek contest before taking on the No. 4 Texas A&M Aggies in their first SEC series.
Solutions by The State News
