The No. 2 Florida Gators softball team showcased exceptional performance on the second day of the Bubly Invitational, securing shutout victories against Providence and No. 14 Duke. The Gators began the day with a 5-0 win over Providence, followed by a commanding 9-0 run-rule triumph against Duke in just five innings. These victories extend Florida’s impressive undefeated streak to 11-0 this season.
Pitching Excellence
Sophomore pitchers Olivia Miller and Keagan Rothrock delivered outstanding performances. Miller earned her first start of the season against Providence, allowing only two hits and recording four strikeouts in a complete-game effort. Rothrock continued her dominance in the circle against Duke, pitching a complete-game shutout with seven strikeouts and permitting just three hits. Notably, Rothrock has yet to allow an earned run this season over 24.2 innings pitched.
Offensive Highlights
Freshman standout Taylor Shumaker led the Gators’ offense, achieving a remarkable .833 batting average (5-for-6) across both games. Her performance included three doubles, seven RBIs, seven runs scored, and her eighth home run of the season. Shumaker’s consistent contributions have been pivotal to Florida’s offensive success.
Team Milestones
Dominant Scoring: The Gators outscored their opponents 14-0 on Friday, bringing their season tally to an impressive 100 runs scored while allowing only 16.
Defensive Prowess: The back-to-back shutouts highlight the team’s defensive strength and pitching depth.
Debut Starts: Freshman Gabi Comia (shortstop), sophomore Cassidy McLellan (left field), and senior Brooke Barnard (catcher) made their first starts of the season, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility.
Looking Ahead
The Gators will continue their campaign in the Bubly Invitational, facing Boston College and Binghamton on Saturday. With their current momentum, Florida aims to maintain their undefeated record and further solidify their position as a dominant force in collegiate softball.
