Kathlyn Medina wasn’t in the starting lineup when UF dropped its first contest to FSU on April 2.
In fact, prior to Florida’s series against Auburn, the junior shortstop had not started since UF’s second game against Ole Miss on March 8 — a span of 15 games.
“One of the main reasons I took Katie out for a bit was just because I didn’t feel like we were getting the shortstop leadership that she’s capable of,” coach Tim Walton said.
Kelsey Stewart replaced Medina at shortstop for those games, and freshman Chelsea Herndon took Stewart’s spot at second base.
But after being given the opportunity to start in the Gators’ series against the Tigers, Medina did not disappoint.
“Seeing my name up there, I was more than excited to do what I can for the team,” Medina said. “I’m just trying to do what I can to get the outs.”
Medina hopes to keep her performance up when No. 6 Florida (34-8, 8-7 Southeastern Conference) plays No. 8 Florida State (38-4, 15-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) tonight at 6 in Tallahassee.
With the Gators riding a three-game winning streak heading into its rematch with the Seminoles, Medina said the team is prepared for the game.
“I definitely think the momentum will help us out,” Medina said. “I mean, we’re not overlooking FSU. We definitely need to go out there and perform. They’re a great team, so it’s going to be a great game. We’re just going in there with a good mentality and trying to get that win.”
The Downey, Calif., native made key plays on defense throughout the series against Auburn this past weekend. She helped Florida sweep its first SEC series since it won three straight against Ole Miss in March 2013 and showed Walton that she is capable of holding down the defense.
“This weekend was probably the best our infield’s played all season long,” Walton said. “Taking Katie out of the lineup [earlier in the season] wasn’t necessarily what I wanted to do, but it had to be done at the time and the way she’s responded and coming back, she’s basically playing like her pants are on fire.”
Medina made the play of the game during Florida’s 1-0 extra inning win to cap off the series against Auburn on Sunday.
With two outs and runners on first and second, Tigers center fielder Morgan Estell hit a ground ball up the middle. Medina grabbed the ball behind second base, made a quick turnaround and threw the ball to catcher Aubree Munro at home to tag out Tiffany Howard.
“That’s a tough play to make, especially with her momentum going the opposite way,” Munro said.
“For her to throw the ball the opposite way, that’s an incredible play. It’s just heads up. That’s the way Katie plays.”
In the series against the Tigers, Medina found success at the plate. The junior went 2 for 5 at the plate against Auburn after posting a .237 batting average on the season before the series began.
“I went up there with a different mentality than I have,” Medina said.
“I went up there looking for a pitch. Not do too much, but get on base so that my teammates can drive me in. It felt great to just be up there.”
But while her success at the plate was a factor that Walton commended, it was her rebounding as a leader on defense that Walton was the most proud of.
“The way she played this weekend, she didn’t play that way against Ole Miss. She didn’t play that way in several games before that,” Walton said. “So, to me, if she plays like that, I don’t care if she ever gets a hit. That’s what a shortstop is supposed to play like at this level.
“She can bunt and do her things, but that’s exactly what it’s supposed to look like the way she played this weekend.”
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
Kathlyn Medina shows bunt during Florida’s 7-6 win against Auburn on Saturday at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Medina rejoined the lineup against Auburn after sitting out 15 games.
