FLORIDA 2, OKLAHOMA STATE 0

GAINESVILLE, FL- The Florida Gators softball team is headed to the championship game(s) of the Gainesville Regional.  Florida defeated the Oklahoma State Cowgirls 2-0 on Saturday behind sophomore pitcher Kelly Barnhill’s one-hit, fifteen strikeout performance.  Barnhill’s pitching brilliance was necessary as Florida only managed three hits against OSU’s Brandi Needham.

Florida scored both runs in the fourth inning.  Nicole Dewitt drew a one out walk, and Kayli Kvistad followed with a single to left field.  Jordan Roberts was later hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs.  Aleshia Ocasio drove in two runs with a single to put the Gators ahead for good.

Barnhill started the game in stride striking out six of the first eight Cowgirls she faced.  Oklahoma State did not have a base runner until the fifth inning when Rylee Bayless forced a two-out walk.  The only trouble that Barnhill found herself in was in the sixth inning when OSU had runners on first and third after a walk and a single.  However, Barnhill stayed composed and retired Madi Sue Montgomery with a strikeout to end the threat.

The Gators will meet Oklahoma State again on Sunday in the Gainesville Regional Championship.  The Cowgirls defeated Florida International 5-0 in the late game to clinch a berth to the championship.  Oklahoma State must find a way to score and win back-to-back games against Florida on Sunday to win the regional.  The Gators have not allowed a run in their last twelve games in the NCAA regionals.

WP: Barnhill (23-1)

LP: Needham (20-10)

LEADERS:

• Barnhill (UF) 7 IP, H, 15 K,2 BB
• Ocasio (UF) 2-3, 2 RBI
• Kvistad (UF) 1-2, R, BB