LEXINGTON, Ky. \u2013 The No. 3-seed Florida softball team (48-10) dropped its Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinal match up against No. 2-seed Alabama (49-6) 9-1 in five innings on Friday afternoon at John Cropp Stadium.<\/p>\n
Despite drawing seven walks, the Florida offense was unable to get key hits with runners in scoring position, leaving 10 on base.<\/p>\n
The Gator offense was limited to just three hits from Kenleigh Cahalan<\/a>, Madison Walker<\/a> and Townsen Thomas<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thomas had Florida’s only extra-base hit, her 12th double of the season.<\/p>\n Leah Stevens<\/a>, Olivia Miller<\/a> and Katelynn Oxley<\/a> each had time in the circle.<\/p>\n Stevens (5-2) who made her eighth start of the season, took the loss, allowing five runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts.<\/p>\n HEAR FROM THE GATORS: On leaving runners on base and how to fix that going into the NCAA Tournament\u2026 UP NEXT: FOLLOW THE GATORS<\/a>
\n“Obviously, we didn’t play very well today. I thought that offensively, we had plenty of opportunities and got on base a lot. We just couldn’t get a leverage pitch with runners in scoring position. I thought our at-bats were good. Hopefully, we will be able to carry that into postseason play. We’re going to have to play a little better defense and pitch a little better. This kid (Giulia Desiderio<\/a>) jumped in today and played well at third base and had a couple of really nice plays for us. She hadn’t played that spot all year long, so that was good to see there. I appreciate Kentucky. This was a good tournament. Obviously, with all the teams playing, the crowds were good and it was a good experience for our kids. This one here (Giulia Desiderio<\/a>) is a fifth-year senior, so this was her last go. That part is good and we have to get better, obviously, but we will.” \u2013 head coach Tim Walton<\/a><\/p>\n
\n“I think just practicing, which we do a lot. We practice live at-bats and having runners on all the time. We just have to focus a lot on that at practice this week heading into the postseason. That will help us.” \u2013 graduate student Giulia Desiderio<\/a><\/p>\n
\nGators will now await their postseason seeding. The 2026 NCAA Selection Show is set for Sunday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.<\/p>\n
\nFloridaGators.com<\/a>
\nFlorida Softball on Twitter<\/a>
\nHead Coach\u00a0<\/a>Tim Walton<\/a><\/a>\u00a0on Twitter
\nFlorida Softball on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n