Like learning to ride a bike or how to drive a car, understanding the nature of the beast that is the UF-FSU rivalry doesn't come naturally to everyone.
For sophomore right fielder Kelsey Bruder, who grew up across the country from the storied in-state rivalry, the yearly showdown didn't mean nearly as much to her a year ago as it did to the team's native Floridians.
Now, after a full season and half in orange and blue, the Seminoles' garnet and gold inspires a more emotional reaction.
"Honestly, I wasn't aware UF and FSU existed. We were more in-tune to the UCLA and (Southern Cal) rivalry," said Bruder, who came to Gainesville from Corona, Calif. "People get crazy here. People who aren't even involved in athletics hate FSU for some reason. It spills over and makes us want to win."
With that in mind, tonight's 6 p.m. matchup between the No. 1 Gators (39-3, 18-1 Southeastern Conference) and the Seminoles (29-12) will have a little more meaning than it did last season, when the Gators won the doubleheader by a combined score of 20-5.
For Bruder, becoming more familiar with the in-state rivalry included a healthy dose of Tim Tebow and the UF football team.
"I know when I was watching the UF-FSU game, I was on my toes watching Tebow get all crazy, and that definitely makes me want to beat FSU just like they did," she said.
Sophomore second baseman Aja Paculba, another one of the Gators' eight native Californians, said before last season's matchup that it would take her time to get as emotionally invested in the rivalry as her teammates. Now, Paculba has grown to appreciate the in-state competition, saying that a midweek game against the Seminoles will help the team stay focused for its weekend series at Kentucky.
"I don't think we take it any different because it's FSU," Paculba said. "If it were any other team, I think it would be kind of like, 'Oh it's just a midweek game. Whatever.' But because it's FSU, it's going to keep us in that focus for the SECs."
UF coach Tim Walton noted that FSU has historically been the stronger program in the state, which will help motivate his team. And although most of his players didn't grow up on either side of the competition, they all understand its importance.
"Florida State is Florida State. It's a great rivalry," Walton said. "As long as you're going to school here, (the rivalry) means a lot to you. All you have to do is go to any sporting event - whether it's soccer or football - you'll know how important it is and how important it is to win at home."
In addition to defending the home field, getting out to a quick start will be critical for UF, as early momentum will be key in their first single-game matchup with FSU in the last four years.
Although the Gators have won their last four games against the Seminoles, the in-state rivalry always provides tough competition.
"FSU's been playing really well this year, so I know they're going to come out really strong," Bruder said. "We've just got to stay on our toes, stay focused and not take anybody for granted."
