FLORIDA 2, OKLAHOMA STATE 0
| RUNS | HITS | ERRORS | |
| OK STATE | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| FLORIDA | 2 | 3 | 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