UF Softball: No. 3 Gators Even Series with Gamecocks on Senior Day

April 25, 2021

Hoover, a fifth-year senior, was one of three Gators to hit a home run in today’s win over South Carolina.
Photo by Chris Kim

Courtesy of University Athletic Association

BY HERB BROOKS

No. 3 Florida bounced back to defeat South Carolina, 6-0, Saturday on Senior Day at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Seniors Jordan Matthews, Kendyl Lindaman, Katie Chronister, and Jaimie Hoover were recognized prior to today’s game.

The Gators (34-7, 13-4 SEC) blasted three home runs en route to the victory over the Gamecocks (24-19, 3-14 SEC). Hannah Adams (2-for-4), Charla Echols (1-for3), and Hoover (1-for-3) each went yard in the effort, which is the first time this season that UF has hit three home runs in a game.

In the circle, Natalie Lugo (12-1) turned in her first complete-game performance of the season to help even the series. The West Covina, Calif. native only allowed four hits and one walk, while she struck out five in the winning effort.

The first homer came in the 1^st inning of action from Adams. Florida was able to take the lead, 1-0, via a leadoff home run from Adams. The recently-announced USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 25 Finalist blasted the 1-1 offering from South Carolina starter Leah Powell (8-3) well over the right center field wall.

The Gators extended their lead out to 4-0 in the following frame. Hoover, the fifth-year senior, pushed it out to 3-0 with a two-run home run over the left field wall. Hoover scored Julia Cottrill, who reached with a leadoff single off the glove of first baseman Kassidy Krupit, with her third homer of the season.

UF pushed the lead out to 4-0 when Sarah Longley scored from third on a throwing error made by second baseman Mackenzie Boesel in an attempt to retire Adams at first base.

Echols capped the scoring and pushed the Gators’ lead out to 6-0 via her 11^th home run of the season in the 5^th inning. The two-run blast to center field off of reliever Bailey Betenbaugh scored Cheyenne Lindsey, who reached with a one-out single through the right side of the Gamecocks infield.

Florida and South Carolina will meet once more to play for the series Sunday at 1 p.m. (ET). The game is set to be streamed via the SEC Network +.