The Gators proved that no matter how unthinkable the feat, history does, indeed, repeat itself.
After completing a three-game sweep of No. 17 Georgia (35-16, 8-9 Southeastern Conference) over the weekend, No. 3 UF (46-2, 18-1 SEC) has matched the 19-game winning streak it used to open up the season.
"This streak proves a lot more than the first one did," said freshman shortstop Megan Bush, who acknowledged the tougher SEC competition the team has faced as of late.
The consistently high level of play showed in Sunday's 5-2 victory against the Bulldogs.
Stacey Nelson, who was nominated as one of 25 finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award last week, was only human in her third appearance of the weekend, surrendering eight hits and striking out only one batter.
The earned run she allowed in the fifth inning was the first she has given up in her last 63 1/3 innings of work and came on her 21st birthday no less. Nelson managed to outdo the streak of 47 consecutive scoreless innings she had earlier in the season, although she allowed some unearned runs during the more recent streak.
Nelson ran her record to 30-2 in a weekend in which she pitched 17 innings, accumulating two wins and a save - her third of the season.
"We're trying to win a conference championship," said UF coach Tim Walton when asked about the recent innings increase for the pitching staff's resident All-American.
Aiding Nelson in Sunday's victory was junior first baseman Ali Gardiner, who went 2 for 4 with four RBIs on the day.
In 19 conference games, Gardiner is hitting .483 with a .536 on-base percentage. Her power numbers have also surged,as five of her six home runs and 19 of her team-high 40 RBIs have come during the SEC slate.
"It's definitely a team effort," said Gardiner, who pointed to people getting on base in front of her as well as power behind her as reasons for her astronomical SEC numbers.
Gardiner also went 3 for 4 in the first game of the series, driving in two of the Gators' runs in a 5-0 decision.
In the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, UF came from behind to earn a 9-5 win.
Sophomore Francesca Enea had a solid game, driving in three runs and hitting her 11th home run of the season, but it was Bush who provided the most run support as she drove in four and hit two home runs, giving her eight for the year.
"I had a feeling that I was going to get at least a couple good hits," Bush said.
Bush found herself in a slump at the beginning of SEC play but said her confidence has really improved since hitting the ball well against LSU.
Freshman Stephanie Brombacher got the start but pitched just four innings on the way to her 14th win of the season before giving way to Nelson.
Nelson closed the door, pitched three innings of scoreless ball and earned the save while UF's lineup gave her plenty of run support.
After handling Georgia with relative ease, the team's hottest hitter exuded confidence in her team's ability to win against any opponent.
"As a team, we have the confidence that we can beat anyone," Gardiner said. "We have the best pitching in the nation, one of the better hitting teams and one of the better defensive teams. Having a Stacey Nelson can get you as far as she and your bats will take you."
