Year after year, the Southeastern Conference proves to be one of the most daunting leagues in college softball — at least for teams like Arkansas.
For No. 4 Florida, playing in the SEC comes with challenges from schools like No. 1 Alabama, No. 11 Georgia and No. 12 Tennessee. However, the Gators have had no problem breezing through most of the league, putting up a 238-95 (.715) record in league play against everyone other than Alabama and LSU .
Coach Tim Walton and company visit Fayetteville, Ark., for a three-game series against the Razorbacks starting today at 8 p.m. Walton said his team’s attitude is a key factor in its SEC success, and with 12 straight wins against Arkansas, UF seems to be on the right track.
“If you have any doubt, you’re going to lose,” Walton said. “You have got to maintain your confidence. You can’t fear what’s happening in front of you; you can only control what’s happening right now.”
Against the Razorbacks, the Gators have notched 32 wins and surrendered just 10 losses.
Junior Ensley Gammel said it was more fun for the pitchers to play against SEC teams because the desire to win rises dramatically when facing a familiar foe.
“They react like it’s fun (pitching against SEC teams),” Gammel said. “It’s you against the batter. It’s even more of a competition, so you really want to win and prove you are the best.”
Even when Florida goes on the road, like it will against Arkansas today, it has proven to have just as much success as at Katie Seashole Stadium.
The Gators are 14-5 at Bogle Stadium, and are 4-1 on the road against SEC opponents this year.
“It’s always a little bit tougher to play on the road,” junior Kelsey Horton said. “But that’s why they call it home-field advantage. There will be a lot of fans there, but hopefully we can just stay relaxed and get three wins.”
In Florida’s eight SEC games, the Gators have outscored their opponents 32-12. Freshman Lauren Haeger has performed even better at the plate against SEC teams, hitting .114 points better than she hits against nonconference opponents.
Last year, the Gators went 21-7 in league play, which was good enough for Walton to capture co-SEC Coach of the Year honors. It was his third time winning the award after winning it in consecutive years in 2008 and 2009.
Hannah Rogers knows the secret to UF’s success against SEC foes.
“I just try to prepare myself mentally,” Rogers said. “I don’t think too much is this hitter going to be better than me or not. We have some of the best players in the SEC and in the country. So I just stay confident in my team and myself.”
