It seems no one has an answer to the No. 4 Florida softball team.
Three weeks into the season, the Gators are off to the second-best start in team history with a 14-0 record.
After blowing out opponents to start the season, UF proved it could win close games, too, going 5-0 at the Cathedral City Classic in Palm Springs, Calif.
During the trip, the Gators took down some of the best teams in the country, including defending Women’s College World Series champion No. 2 UCLA and No. 11 Texas.
It wasn’t easy, as the team had to scratch and claw its way back in several games — something the players felt would benefit them later this year.
“Being in tight games made it more like the postseason,” senior pitcher Stephanie Brombacher said. “The freshmen got a taste of what it’s going to be like.”
Luckily for the Gators, the top of the lineup came up with some timely hits despite facing its stiffest competition to date.
UF coach Tim Walton said the top three of Michelle Moultrie, Aja Paculba and Kelsey Bruder “sparked greatness” and carried the team when the rest of the lineup was struggling.
Moultrie, in particular, was a pitcher’s nightmare.
The junior center fielder was the Gators’ best hitter, coming up with the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth against the Longhorns on Friday.
“Michelle played as well as anyone I’ve ever coached in a weekend series,” Walton said. “She was our spark plug all the way.”
The reserved leadoff hitter’s contributions on the base paths, in the outfield and at the plate haven’t gone unnoticed by her teammates.
“Michelle was on fire this weekend,” Brombacher said. “She kind of flew under the radar as a recruit, but she’s been someone we can count on.”
The Gators’ right-handed ace picked up two more victories to improve her record to 8-0. Although her scoreless innings streak ended at 32, Brombacher battled all weekend while facing much stronger lineups.
However, the Gators’ top pitcher proved to be freshman Hannah Rogers, who earned three wins and her first career save.
Despite facing the No. 2 Bruins, the young righty found success with her effective changeup, which she has worked on since last summer.
The combination of Rogers and Brombacher has been rock solid and a testament to the team’s depth.
“For a freshman to take on that type of opponent was huge,” Walton said. “We have three very capable pitchers in Hannah, Stephanie and Ensley Gammel. Ensley not pitching is more of a statement about how well Hannah is playing.”
