Florida's No. 6/4 softball team continued its recent hot streak by edging rival Florida State 1-0 on Wednesday under unusual circumstances. The Gators were only able to muster a single hit against FSU, but it was enough as Aja Paculba's hit sailed over the left field wall in the 2nd inning and the Gators' pitching staff held on for the victory.
It was the 15th long ball this season for Paculba, one of five seniors on the Gators roster. Paculbaentered the season with only 19 career home runs, and credits her increased power to weight training in the offseason.
Ace pitcher Stephanie Brombacherimproved her record to 17-1 on the season, lasting 4.2 innings and yielding only 3 Seminole hits. Freshman Hannah Rogers came on to relieve Brombacher, earning her third save on the season by pounding the strike zone with 30 strikes out of her 39 pitches.
The Gators return to Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium this weekend for a crucial three game series against Eastern Division leader Tennessee. It will also be senior weekend honoring the five senior members of the team who just tied the Florida record for the winningest class in team history. First pitch Friday is at 4:30pm, followed by a noon game Saturday broadcast live on ESPN, and a 3:00pm start on Sunday on ESPNU.
Go Gators!