UF Softball: Gators Fall in SEC Tournament Championship
Photo by Hannah White
Courtesy of University Athletic Association
BY HERB BROOKS
Florida will find out its NCAA Tournament seed Sunday night at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2
No. 1-seed Florida fell 4-0 to No. 3-seed Alabama in the SEC Tournament Championship at Rhoads Stadium Saturday afternoon. Charla Echols, Kendyl Lindaman, and Emily Wilkie earned SEC All-Tournament Team honors.
The Gators (42-9) fell behind in the top of the 1st inning of play, 3-0, to the Crimson Tide (45-7). Alabama was able to manufacture a three-run inning, two of which were unearned, via a squeeze bunt from Jenna Johnson and a defensive miscue later in the inning.
In the following frames, Elizabeth Hightower (16-5) and the Gators defense settled in to retire the next 10 Alabama batters before Elissa Brown reached in the top of the 5th inning. Brown was immediately erased when Emily Wilkie threw her out trying to steal second base for the second out.
After an infield single by Mack and a walk to Hemphill, Katie Chronister was called from the bullpen to relieve Hightower in the circle. Chronister proceeded to end the rally as she struck out Kaylee Tow to end the inning.
Alabama eventually added a run in the top of the 6th via a Taylor Clark RBI single to left field to push the lead out to 4-0 and cap the scoring.
Offensively, the Gators were able to reach base at least once in the first four innings of play. Charla Echols (1-for-2), Kendyl Lindaman (1-for-2), and Sarah Longley (1-for-2) all picked up hits, while Baylee Goddard reached via hit-by-pitch.
Montana Fouts (22-3) pitched a complete game for Alabama to earn the decision.
The Gators now wait to see where they land in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The selection show is set to air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET.