For the 13th time in program history, the Florida Gators punched their ticket to the Women’s College World Series.
The Gators (49-15) are returning back to the Women’s College World Series for their second straight season after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs (35-24) 5-2 Sunday afternoon at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
“They gave us a run for our money, that’s for sure,” Florida head coach Tim Walton said. “Nothing was easy at all this whole entire weekend.”
Florida got on the board in the first inning when freshman Taylor Shumaker scored senior leadoff hitter Kendra Falby. Shumaker singled through the middle of the field to score Falby from second.
Georgia left handed pitcher Lilli Backes, who made her second consecutive start after pitching 6.1 innings against Florida Saturday, failed to record an out and was pulled for sophomore lefty Randi Roelling.
Roelling got out of a bases-loaded jam and forced a groundout to end the inning.
UGA head coach Tony Baldwin had to make several calls to the bullpen as Florida’s hitters continuously found their way on base. The Gators logged 14 hits but still failed to capitalize on several opportunities at the plate.
UF loaded the bases in the first and third inning and couldn’t bring anyone across. After a lengthy weather delay in the fourth inning, Florida had runners on first and second with no outs and still couldn’t score.
The Gators’ bats finally woke up in the fifth inning. Senior shortstop Rylee Holtorf hit a two-run homer over the left field wall extending UF’s lead to 3-0.
Falby got on base to keep the inning going before Shumaker stepped to the plate and knocked a two-run homer. It was her 22nd home run of the year, which ties the UF single-season record.
“She's electric,” Falby said. “What [Taylor’s] done this year has been amazing, and what she's going to continue to do.”
In the seventh inning, Georgia tried to claw its way back into the game. Junior infielder Jaydyn Goodwin hit a two-run shot to bring the Bulldogs within three. However, sophomore pitcher Keagan Rothrock, making her third start over the weekend, earned the final three outs to close the game.
“I couldn't be more proud,” Walton said. “My entire team, program staff, everybody for working really hard, staying focused and focused on the goal.”
Florida will resume play in round one of the Women’s College World Series. The Gators are slated to play the Texas Longhorns at noon Thursday.
Contact Casey Godwin Godcasey11@gmail.com. Follow him on X @Godcasey5UF.
