Just like last year’s squad, the Gators softball team has built a 33-2 record through its first 35 contests.
It’s one of the only things that hasn’t changed between the two seasons.
UF’s most glaring difference is the absence of five key players who graduated in 2016 and played important roles for Florida’s offense.
Now in 2017, the Gators have just two seniors to bolster their depth in the batter’s box in Justine McLean and Chelsea Herndon. Only McLean had seen consistent action throughout her first three years.
Due to this lack of veteran players, Florida has relied on new faces to replace the missing production.
It turned out to be a great move for the Gators.
“We’re all kind of like the underdogs,” redshirt freshman Sophia Reynoso said. “A lot of us don’t have the big wins under our belt that the class last year did.”
Last year’s senior class brought with it the experience of two national championships in 2014 and 2015 and tons of SEC wins to back them up.
Losing them hasn’t hurt the Gators’ ability to swing the bat, however.
That’s because the additions of freshmen Reynoso, third baseman Jaimie Hoover and catcher Jordan Roberts in the starting lineup have helped the offense explode to new heights.
Florida has outscored SEC opponents 67-7 through its first 11 conference games, as opposed to last year’s team, which held a margin of 46-21.
While the team plays well on both sides of the ball, communication between teammates has been key to their growth as a unit.
“We all look to each other for advice and ways to get to where we need to be,” Reynoso said. “It all transfers back to the field.”
Getting along with each other has never been an issue. Although 11 of the players are from out of state, their connections through play prior to their college careers makes communication simple.
“It’s funny, even on off days we’re always together,” sophomore Alex Voss said. “We’re comfortable with each other and have genuine happiness towards each other… . It translates on the field.”
Of course, one aspect of the Gators hasn’t changed much, and that’s the pitching.
The trio of Kelly Barnhill, Aleshia Ocasio and Delanie Gourley has combined for 31 of Florida’s 33 wins.
The UF pitching staff leads the SEC with a team ERA of 0.74. The second closest in that category is Texas A&M at 1.18.
UF also ranks second in total strikeouts at 323, trailing only Alabama with 350.
The Gators hope that play translates to their midweek non-conference game with North Florida today and into the weekend against Georgia.
Florida is 23-1 against non-conference opponents this season. And the team hasn’t played the Bulldogs since losing to them in the NCAA Super Regionals last year in a series that ended UF’s season.
The Gators begin their five-game home stand today when they face the Ospreys at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium with first pitch set for 6 p.m.
Contact Skyler Lebron at Slebron@alligator.org or follow him on Twitter @SkylerLebron.
UF shortstop Sophia Reynoso swings at a pitch during Florida's 15-7 win against Bethune-Cookman on March 29, 2017, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
