After ranking inside the top 10 in both major national preseason rankings, the Gators placed third in the 2021 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
After the league’s 13 head coaches voted, Florida received 125 points including one first-place vote. Only Alabama (138) and LSU (129) ranked higher than the Gators in the poll. Only three teams besides Florida received a first-place vote: Alabama (9), LSU (2), Tennessee (1).
2020 Success
Florida completed its shortened 2020 season boasting a 23-4 overall record and a 3-0 conference record after sweeping Auburn at home during SEC Opening Weekend. Following the sweep, Florida’s Cheyenne Lindsey, Rylee Trlicek and Julia Cottrill earned SEC Player, Pitcher and Freshman of the Week honors.
Looking Ahead
The Gators will open their 2021 season on Feb. 13 in a three-game road series against USF. Following 15 more non-conference matchups, Florida will start its SEC schedule on March 12 in a home weekend series versus No. 13 Kentucky. Despite earning zero first-place votes, the Wildcats received the fifth most points in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.