Florida enters SEC Opening Weekend holding a 19-1 record with 15 shutouts, including four over Top 25 competition.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The second-ranked Florida softball team returns to Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium for SEC Opening Weekend, March 9-11, in a three-game series against No. 23 Kentucky.
The Gators (19-1) wrapped up the Judi Garman Classic this past weekend going 3-0 with three shutouts over Loyola Marymount, Cal State Fullerton and then ranked No. 8 Baylor.
Every game that the Gators play against Kentucky will be broadcast on WGGG (92.1 FM/1230 AM) & WMOP (100.1 FM/900 AM). Kyle Crooks and former Gator softball standouts Kelsey Horton and Kelsey Stewart will have the call for each game.
This weekend's series will also be broadcast on the SEC Network (Friday) and the SEC Network (Saturday & Sunday). Bernie Guenther and Kelsey Horton will host Friday's series opener, while Melissa Lee and Cheri Kempf will close out the series Saturday and Sunday.
Notable Notes:
- Kelly Barnhill was named SEC Pitcher of the Week after she extended her scoreless inning streak to 22.1 innings. Barnhill capped off her weekend throwing 6.0 innings of a combined no-hitter against then ranked No. 8 Baylor. The Bears entered the contest only have struck out at most five times in a game ,but Barnhill fanned 13 and Ocasio closed out the final inning with three of her own.
- For the fifth consecutive season, the Gators were picked by the league's head coaches to win the SEC title. The league office announced the poll results on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The team picked up 11 of the 13 available first place votes for a total of 143 points.
- Florida has scored four or more runs in an inning 18 times over 20 games played. The most runs scored in an inning so far this season is when the Gators scored nine in the fourth against Judi Garman Classic host Cal State Fullerton.
- Amanda Lorenz has reached base safely in every game and has put together a seven-game hitting streak and an eight-game hitting streak so far this season.
Â
| Scouting the Wildcats |
| Head Coach |
Rachel Lawson (14th Season, 11th at UK) |
| Record |
Career: 466-317 | at UK: 376-235, 118-136 SEC |
| All-Time Record vs. |
49-14 (.778) |
| Streak |
Won Last Meeting |
| Last Meeting |
April 16, 2017 | W, 2-0 |
Â
| Leaders |
| Avg. |
Bailey Vick (.462) |
| |
Wins |
Grace Baalman (7) |
| Hits |
Katie Reed (26) |
| |
ERA |
Grace Baalman (1.83) |
| RBI |
Abby Cheek (23) |
| |
Saves |
Grace Baalman & Autumn Humes (1) |
Â
|
History vs. Kentucky | Last 10 Results |
|
| Kentucky |
|
49-14 |
| Home: 25-6 |
Away: 23-8 |
Neutral: 1-0 |
| Date       |
Location |
W/L |
Score |
| 4/13/13 |
Lexington, Ky. |
L |
4-2 |
| 4/14/13 |
Lexington, Ky. |
W |
6-3 |
| 4/11/15 |
Gainesville, Fla. |
W |
1-0 |
| 4/12/15 |
Gainesville, Fla. |
W |
6-3 |
| 4/13/15 |
Gainesville, Fla. |
W |
2-0 |
| 5/23/15 |
Gainesville, Fla. |
W |
7-0 |
| 5/24/15 |
Gainesville, Fla. |
W |
1-0 |
| 4/14/17 |
Lexington, Ky. |
W |
4-0 |
| 4/15/17 |
Lexington, Ky. |
L |
5-1 |
| 4/16/17 |
Lexington, Ky. |
W |
2-0 |
| Â Â Â Â |
| Broadcast Information |
| Live Stats |
Link |
| Radio |
WGGG (92.1 FM/1230 AM) & WMOP (100.1 FM/900 AM) |
| Audio |
Link |
| TV |
SEC Network (March 10 & 11) |
| SEC Network |
Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 |
| Tickets |
Link |
Â
| All Weekend Promotions |
Moe's Foul Ball Crew: All kids 12 & under can participate in the Moe's Foul Ball Crew!
Kids Korner: Arrive early and enjoy the Kids Corner Located down the 3rd baseline. There are fun interactive games, make posters for your favorite Gators, and much more! |
| Â Â Â Â |
| Friday, March 9, 2018 at 6 p.m. |
SEC Opener: Don't miss the Gators as they open SEC play against the Kentucky Wildcats!
Giveaway: 1500 Rally Towels
Wear White: All fans coming to Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium are encouraged to wear white to match the team!
Kids National Anthem: All kids 12 & under can take the field pregame with the Gators for the National Anthem |
| Â Â Â Â |
| Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 6 p.m. |
Presented by Florida Dairy Farmers
SEC Opener: Don't miss the Gators as they open SEC play against the Kentucky Wildcats!
Davis Acura Fan of the Game: Make sure to enter to win the Davis Acura Fan of the Game to win great prizes courtesy of Davis Acura! |
| Â Â Â Â |
| Sunday March 11, 2018 at 12 p.m. |
Presented by UF Health
Giveaway: Stay clean & learn important health tips with hand sanitizer courtesy of UF Health
Postgame Autographs: Stick around after the game for postgame autographs!
Kids Run The Bases: All Kids 12 & Under are able to run the bases following the game!
Country Sundays: Swing on by and enjoy some country music as the Gators celebrate country Sundays!
Davis Acura Fan of the Game: Make sure to enter to win the Davis Acura Fan of the Game to win great prizes courtesy of Davis Acura! |
Â
FOLLOW THE GATORS
FloridaGators.com
Twitter
Head Coach Tim Walton on Twitter
Facebook
