Fresh off a run-rule win, the Florida offense looked to get the scoring started, and the offense did not take any time off. The Gators erupted for 17 runs in the opening inning.
Leading the charge was junior Cassidy McLellan. In the frame, she tallied five RBIs, including a three-run homer that put Florida on top 5-0 at the time.
The explosive opening frame fueled No. 4 Florida’s (21-0) domination over East Texas A&M (5-13) on Thursday night at Anderson Family Field. Thursday marked the first time the two programs have met on the diamond.
In the victory, eight different Gators had multi-hit performances and five had three hits. As a team, Florida recorded a season-high 26 hits.
Missouri transfer junior Madison Walker got the scoring started when she launched her fourth double of the season, scoring senior Jocelyn Erickson and sophomore Taylor Shumaker to give Florida a 2-0 lead. Walker had a team-high four hits on Thursday night.
From there, the Gators never looked back and put up 14 hits in the frame.
A pair of doubles by junior Ella Wesolowski and sophomore Gabi Comia scored three runs for Florida in the frame.
Most notably, Shumaker grabbed her first homer back home on a three-run shot, recording the 17th run of the inning. It was a memorable day for the Fullerton, California, native as she recorded six hits and nine RBIs over the two-game stretch.
Florida wasn’t done from there. In the second inning, senior Jocelyn Erickson found herself up with the bases loaded.
The catcher launched her 10th longball of the season and first grand slam, making the advantage 23-0.
Two pitchers recorded their first career hits for Florida tonight. Junior Olivia Miller launched a double down the left field line in the fourth, and junior Allison Sparkman recorded a single up the middle.
Florida continues play in the 2026 Judi Garman Classic on Friday against No. 8 UCLA. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.
Contact Zach Moore at zmoore@alligator.org. Follow him on X @zach_moore27.
Zach is a sophomore sports journalism student in his first semester at The Alligator, covering softball. He also has experience as an intern in the Florida Collegiate Summer League. Zach enjoys watching sports in his free time, primarily the Minnesota Vikings, Orlando Magic, and Arsenal FC.
