sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

JJ Schwarz celebrates with teammates at home plate after hitting the first of his two home runs during Florida's 11-4 win against Florida State on June 6, 2015, at McKethan Stadium.

Sports

Bound for Omaha: Florida advances to College World Series with sweep of FSU

By IAN COHEN | June 6, 2015

Bats, gloves and baseball caps littered the field.

UF's JJ Schwarz runs past third base and heads to score during the first inning of Florida's 13-5 win against Florida State in the NCAA Super Regionals on June 5, 2015, at McKethan Stadium.

Sports

Florida throttles Florida State in Super Regional

By IAN COHEN | June 6, 2015

After sliding into second base on Florida’s first hit of the game, Harrison Bader yelled, clapped and fist-pumped before urging the crowd to do the same.

UF's Richie Martin follows through on his swing during Florida's 12-5 win against the South Carolina Gamecocks on April 11, 2015 at McKethan Stadium.

Sports

Gators to battle with Florida State in Super Regionals

By IAN COHEN | June 4, 2015

For the first time in seven years, Florida will face Florida State on a weekend.

Florida pitcher Lauren Haeger, right, celebrates with catcher Aubree Munro at the end of the final game against Michigan in the NCAA softball Women's College World Series, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in Oklahoma City. Florida won 4-1.

Sports

STILL ON TOP: Gators win second title

By Patrick Pinak | June 3, 2015

Tim Walton knew a repeat wasn’t going to be easy.

UF shortstop Kathlyn Medina catches a pop out during Florida's 7-0 win against Kentucky on May 23 2015, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Sports

UF seniors first in program history with multiple titles

By Luis Torres | June 3, 2015

Florida softball’s outgoing senior class should be remembered forever.

Aleshia Ocasio pitches during Florida's 4-1 win against Illinois State on Feb. 21 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Air Jordan: Five UF softball players to watch for heading into 2016

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | June 3, 2015

With the Florida softball team winning its second-consecutive national title following its 4-1 win over Michigan in Wednesday’s decisive third game of the championship series, the quest for a three-peat has officially begun. And while coach Tim Walton has a heavy task ahead of him in replacing his six-player senior class — highlighted by 2015 National Player of the Year Lauren Haeger — he has pieces in place to make another deep postseason run. And with that, here’s your way-too-early list of five players to watch out for in the 2016 season.

UF coach Tim Walton walks to the dugout during Florida's 1-0 win against Florida Atlantic in the 2015 NCAA Regionals on May 17, 2015, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Torres Tells It: Tim Walton joins elite company with back-to-back national championships

By Luis Torres | June 3, 2015

Tim Walton is building something special in Gainesville.

Coach Tim Walton was more than happy to empty his bench in Florida's 19-3 win over Florida A&M on Wednesday. “I think overall the main priority is to get everybody at-bats and to keep our timing right," he said.

Sports

Florida softball falls to Michigan, forcing winner-take-all game 3 for WCWS title

By Patrick Pinak | June 2, 2015

Haylie Wagner wasn’t ready to go home.

Florida's Lauren Haeger celebrates on the way home after hitting a home run in the first inning during the NCAA Women's College World Series Championship against Michigan in Oklahoma City, Monday.

Sports

Florida downs Michigan in first game of Women’s College World Series

By Patrick Pinak | June 1, 2015

On softball’s biggest stage, Florida leaned on the nation’s best player — Lauren Haeger.

UF's JJ Schwarz rounds third base during Florida's 12-5 win against South Carolina on April 11, 2015 at McKethan Stadium.

Sports

UF looking to stay hot heading into Super Regional matchup with FSU

By IAN COHEN | June 1, 2015

Only two players on Florida’s roster have been where the Gators are going this weekend, a testament to how difficult it is to still be playing baseball in early June.

Ryan Orr swings during Day 1 of the SunTrust Gator Invitational on Feb. 14, 2015, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

Sports

Florida squanders early lead at NCAA Men’s Golf Championship

By Ryan Summers | June 1, 2015

The opening round for the Florida men’s golf team at the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship Friday in Bradenton had them tied for sixth place.

Ryan Schnulle races during the final day of the Florida Relays on April 4 at the Percy Beard Track

Sports

Florida qualifies 23 athletes for NCAA Outdoor Championships

By Kyle Brutman | June 1, 2015

Following a successful weekend at the NCAA East Preliminaries in Jacksonville, the No. 1/6 Florida men’s and women’s track and field qualified 23 athletes and landed itself 25 event entries for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.