Game Notes GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 1-ranked Gator softball team (42-3/12-3 SEC) hosts Mississippi State (24-20/3-12 SEC) this weekend, as the Gators resume conference play after an 11-day layoff. Florida, who's currently in first place in the SEC standings, holds a 12-3 mark in conference play for the first time since 2013.
Despite Mississippi State only having three wins in conference, two of those victories came against No. 3 Auburn and No. 14 LSU. During those series, the Bulldogs have played and a lost a 12-inning contest with LSU and a 14-inning affair with Auburn.
This weekend finishes up an eight-game homestand for the Gators, Florida is 4-0 thus far as has outscored its opponents 25-2.
Friday and Saturday's contests against Mississippi State will be streamed on SEC Network+, while Sunday's game will be broadcast on SEC Network.
Coaches' CornerHead Coach Tim Walton: "Mississippi State features six different pitchers and they have all pitched in different situations throughout the year. Offensively, they have multiple players who are having great years such as Kayla Winkfield, Mackenzie Tolder and Carmen Carter. In addition, Katie Anne Bailey has been there a long time and is veteran who's very good behind the plate. Mississippi State is a lot deeper this season than I remember them being in the past, which is maybe why they're so fast. They just have good team speed and they play with a lot of emotion.
"With all that said, we don't try to focus on what our opponents are doing. We watch a little film, look at their numbers and check out their swings so we can adjust that way, but it's about us. We just need to keep getting better each and every day as a team."
Quick Hits- UF is ranked No. 1 in both polls, No. 1 in the NCAA RPI and has the sixth-toughest schedule in the NCAA. In addition, Florida has the highest win percentage (.933) in the country.
- Although UF's offense is averaging six runs per game, which ranks 36th in the country, it's Florida's pitching and defense that have carried the torch thus far in 2016. Florida has allowed just 43 runs and committed only 20 errors through 45 games. UF's 43 runs allowed through 45 games is the second fewest in school history through this point in any season. Florida's 2009 squad allowed 40 tallies through 45 contests.
- The Gators currently sport the best fielding percentage (.983) and best earned run average (0.82) in the nation. For comparison through 45 games last season, Florida's pitchers had a 1.48 ERA and its defense had committed 27 errors and had a fielding percentage of .976. UF went on to record a .981 fielding percentage and commit just 33 errors, which are both school records.
- UF's astounding 0.82 team ERA (290.2 IP) would go down as the second-best ERA for a single season in program history if the season ended today. In addition, Florida's miniscule .159 batting average against (290.2 IP) would be the best b/avg. for a single season in program history.
- UF's 2008 (0.92 ERA, .176 BAA, 512.0 IP) and 2009 (0.69 ERA, .161 BAA, 444.0 IP) squad currently hold those top marks in program history.
- Delanie Gourley (145), Kelly Barnhill (135) and Aleshia Ocasio (103) are the second trio in school history to all record 100+ strikeouts in a season. UF achieved this feat last season when Lauren Haeger (214), Ocasio (155) and Gourley (105) all reached the century mark.
- Ocasio (0.48) and Gourley (0.76) have the No. 1 and No. 4 ERAs in the country and Barnhill is fourth in strikeouts per game (10.9). In addition, UF's pitching staff has combined to allow the fewest runs in the SEC (43) and record the most strikeouts (383).
- The Gators have allowed just three stolen bases this season, which is the fewest in the SEC. In addition, three stolen bases are the fewest Florida has allowed in school history through 45 games.
- Offensively, UF is ninth in the country in OBP (.444), 36th in scoring (6.00) and ranks 30th in BA (.321).
- Aubree Munro is hitting .455 (10 for 22) over UF's last 10 games with two homers, one double, one triple, six RBI and four runs scored. Her classmate, Kelsey Stewart, is the NCAA active leader in games played (246), at-bats (850), hits (342), triples (29) and she's third in total bases (490) and fourth in runs scored (245).
Setting the Stage: Mississippi State- Florida leads the all-time series, 30-19; this includes a 16-8 advantage at home.
- Since Tim Walton became Florida's head coach before the 2006 season, the Gators are 21-3 against the Bulldogs.
UF vs. MSU PromotionsFriday:- Green Game
- Kids Pregame Lineups
- All Kids 12 & under are encouraged to join the Gators on the field for pregame lineups in the Sun Day
Saturday:- First 250 fans receive a Gators Softball Tumbler!
- Post-Game Autographs
- Select Gators will sign autographs following the game
Sunday:- Kids Run The Bases
- All kids 12 & under can run the bases following the game!
Broadcast InformationFlorida will host a three-game series against Mississippi State this weekend at KSP Stadium. Friday and Saturday's contests against Mississippi State will be streamed on
SEC Network+, while Sunday's game will be broadcast on
SEC Network.
In addition, all three games can be heard on
Florida Sports Talk (WGGG-AM & WMOP-AM/FM) and live stats links for each contest can be found on the Gators'
schedule page.
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