ChompTalk.com

Following a non-conference, walk-off loss to UCF in Orlando last Wednesday, the Gators bounced back at home this past weekend against the LSU Tigers. Florida notched its second straight SEC series sweep and won its second top-15 conference series this season.

Junior right-hander Elizabeth Hightower picked up her first loss against UCF, but she rebounded with a pair of complete games against LSU on Friday and Sunday. Friday’s game marked Hightower’s fifth shutout this year before Sunday’s contest marked her eighth complete game. After improving to 12-1, the Monticello, Florida, native ranks top-10 in the nation in wins and trails only one SEC pitcher — Arkansas RHP Mary Haff (17-2).

In the series opener versus LSU, Florida sophomore catcher Julia Cottrill hit her first career home run — a three-run shot — in the bottom of the sixth inning to give Hightower insurance runs before she completed the shutout in the top of the seventh.

In Saturday’s game, Florida second baseman Hannah Adams went 4-4 with four singles and senior right-hander Natalie Lugo picked up her sixth win after she dealt 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

In the series finale, Florida center fielder Cheyenne Lindsey drove in a career-high five runs en route to a 9-3 victory. Freshman outfielder Katie Kistler, who’s been utilized primarily as a pinch runner thus far, laid down a bunt single in the sixth frame to earn her first career hit.

_______________________

Overall Record: 24-3 (.889; 19-1 at home, 5-2 on the road)

SEC Record: 8-1 (2nd place trailing 9-0 No. 13 Arkansas)

National Ranking (USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll): 5

Last Week:

• 3/24 @ No. 22 UCF — L, 8-6
• 3/26 vs No. 13 LSU — W, 5-0
• 3/27 vs No. 13 LSU — W, 7-4
• 3/28 vs No. 13 LSU — W, 9-3

Pitcher of the Week: RHP Elizabeth Hightower (Jr.)

• 2-1, 15.1 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 7 K (2.78 ERA, 0.86 WHIP)
• Threw two complete-games vs LSU
• Threw fifth shutout this season

Player of the Week: 2B Hannah Adams (Sr.)

• 8-13, 4 R, 4 RBIs (.615 BA)
• Extended hitting streak to a career-long 12 games

Upcoming Week:

• Wednesday, 3/31 @ Jacksonville @ 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 4/3 @ No. 20 Georgia @ 8 p.m. (airing on ESPN)
• Sunday, 4/4 @ No. 20 Georgia @ 3 p.m. (airing on SECN)
• Monday, 4/5 @ No. 20 Georgia @ 7 p.m. (airing on SECN)