North Florida Softball was defeated by No. 4/5 Florida with a score of 7-3 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium on Tuesday night.
Florida took an early lead in the bottom of the second inning, scoring three runs. The Gators added two more runs in the fifth inning to extend their advantage.
In the top of the sixth inning, North Florida responded with three runs. Addie Keef began the inning with a single, and Grace Shaw followed with an RBI double to put North Florida on the scoreboard. Bella Cimino then hit a two-run home run into right center, marking her second home run of the season and narrowing the gap to 5-3.
Florida answered back in the bottom half of the sixth, adding two more runs for a final score of 7-3.
The win went to Keagan Rothrock (6-0), who pitched seven innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs while striking out six batters. Taylor Cook (2-1) took the loss for North Florida after pitching five innings and giving up nine hits and six earned runs.
For North Florida, Cimino went 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs, and one run scored. Shaw finished 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and one run scored. Hannah Davila contributed by going 1-for-2 with a double and a walk.
Jocelyn Erickson led Florida offensively by going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Cassidy McLellan added a home run and two RBIs for the Gators.
North Florida will host No. 4/5 Florida again at UNF Softball Complex on Wednesday, February 18, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
