For the fourth consecutive year, the Florida Gators softball team started the year with an undefeated record at the USF-Wilson Demarini Tournament in Tampa.
While veteran playmakers largely lived up to expectations and the pitching was smothering, the team’s youth also captured plenty of excitement over the weekend.
Freshman third baseman Jaimie Hoover played like anything but a freshman, including a grand slam in UF’s fourth game against the Delaware Blue Hens to give the Gators a cushiony lead. Hoover also made key defensive plays that got Florida off the field.
And although UF’s bullpen was billed as one of the strongest in the country, Florida got a boost from its newest player on the mound. Freshman Katie Chronister saw her first action against the Blue Hens, throwing a one-hit shutout with four strikeouts and a walk on 55 pitches.
Commendable play from younger players led to less pressure on Florida’s top three pitchers. The trio of Delanie Gourley, Aleshia Ocasio and Kelly Barnhill combined for 42 strikeouts.
Over the course of five games — two of them against No. 6 Michigan and No. 25 USF — the Gators surrendered only 10 hits and three runs in total.
The battle with the Wolverines proved to be the Gators’ toughest, as the two teams fought into the 10th inning tied at one run apiece. The drought ceased after an RBI single brought home junior second baseman Nicole DeWitt to put Florida up 2-1.
Besides that game, Florida’s offense looked smooth and polished. The Gators outscored their opponents 33-3, and seven Florida players hit home runs. Sophomore outfielder Amanda Lorenz blasted three balls over the fence and knocked in eight RBIs, leading the team in both categories.
The Gators will next face Jacksonville on the road Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Contact Skyler Lebron at slebron@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @SkylerLebron.
Amanda Lorenz bats during Florida's doubleheader sweep of Jacksonville on Feb. 17, 2016, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
