News Summary
The Florida Gators softball team is having a stellar fall season with a perfect record of 3-0. Their recent victory against UCF showcased their perseverance and skill, particularly through standout performances from players like Taylor Shumaker. With an upcoming match against Jacksonville University, both teams are eager to secure their season momentum. The matchup promises to be competitive, with Jacksonville looking to rebound after a challenging last season. Fans can look forward to an intense game as the Gators aim to continue their undefeated streak.
Gainesville, Florida – The Florida Gators softball team remains undefeated in their fall season, boasting a perfect record of 3-0 as they prepare to face Jacksonville University on Friday. The upcoming matchup will be crucial for both teams, as they seek to gain momentum heading into the winter months.
In their latest performance, the Gators edged out the University of Central Florida (UCF) in a tight contest, clinching a 4-3 win. The game demonstrated the team’s resilience and competitive spirit, coming together under pressure to secure the victory in just five innings. In their fall opener against Florida VIBE, sophomore outfielder Taylor Shumaker showcased her skills by hitting a grand slam in the second inning, propelling Florida to a commanding 6-0 lead. Shumaker also added an RBI double in the seventh inning, further establishing her role as a key player for the team.
Shumaker, who had an impressive season last year with 72 runs, continues to set the bar high for the Gators. As the returning batting average leader with an impressive .389, her performance is critical for the team’s success. Over the course of the last season, she amassed 72 runs, 86 RBI, 65 putouts, and 6 assists. Her recognition as the NFCA Freshman of the Year in 2025 solidified her position as a standout player.
On the pitching side, sophomore Katelynn Oxley emerged as a leader in the circle, ending the last season with a 2.58 ERA and an 8-5 record. Throughout the season, she limited opposing teams to only 64 hits and 36 runs. Junior pitcher Keagan Rothrock also made significant contributions as the Gators’ No. 1 starter, completing nine games and achieving a 16-7 record. Rothrock led the team with 131.2 innings pitched and 105 strikeouts, showcasing her ability to consistently keep opponents at bay.
Looking ahead, the Gators will face Jacksonville University, who finished the 2025 season with a record of 23-27 after starting strong at 7-4. The Dolphins are looking to bounce back from last season, and they will rely on their standout players, including sophomore Alayna Gaddy. Gaddy led Jacksonville with seven home runs and boasted a .930 OPS, in addition to winning the Golden Glove Award prior to joining the university. Another key player for Jacksonville is junior Skylar Waggoner, who posted a team-low ERA of 2.01 last season with an 8-10 record, which ranks as the sixth-best single-season ERA in the program’s history. Waggoner was also recognized by being named to the ASUN All-Freshman team in 2024.
The first pitch for the matchup against Jacksonville University will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday. With both teams eager to prove themselves, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game as the Gators look to continue their perfect fall season.
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Additional Resources
- WRUF: Gators Softball Takes on Jacksonville University
- Florida Gators: No. 4 Gators Pick Up Midweek Win at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville.com: Kennedy Waymer, Paxon Softball and Volleyball Star Dies at 19
- Seminoles: No. 9 Softball Picks Up Two Wins in Jacksonville
- UNF Ospreys: Softball Secures 12 Newcomers to 2025 Signing Class
- Wikipedia: Softball
- Google Search: Gators softball
- Google Scholar: Softball strategy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
- Google News: Softball
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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