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  • SB: Gators cruise past Illinois State in season opener

    SB: Gators cruise past Illinois State in season opener

    Photo by Anthony Peña / Chomp Talk

    FLORIDA 15, ILLINOIS STATE 0 (5)

    RUNS HITS ERRORS
    GATORS 15 13 0
    ILL STATE 0 1 3

    Tampa, FL- The Florida Gators softball team opened the 2019 season with an offensive explosion. Florida downed Illinois State 15-0 Friday evening in the opening day of the USF Opening Weekend Tournament.

    The Gators allowed the Redbirds a single hit and sent the red birds away with their second loss of the day (Illinois fell to NC State 10-9 earlier in the day).

    The Gators will continue play in the tournament with a pair of contests against #19 Michigan and #7 Arizona on Saturday before wrapping up the first weekend of the season on Sunday.

    Game Trends

    The Gators got off to a fast start scoring four runs in the first inning. Senior Amanda Lorenz hit an RBI double that bounced off ISU CF Alyssa Weibel’s glove that scored sophomore Hannah Adams from first. Jaimie Hoover followed up three batters later with a 2-RBI triple that put the Gators ahead 3-0 and set the tone for the rest of the evening.

    The first wouldn’t be the only inning the Gators would put up crooked numbers on the scoreboard, as they did in the third, and fifth innings while also adding a run in the fourth to reach the final score of 15.

    In the third, Florida would manufacture runs using ISU errors and walks to go along with a trio of inning starting singles by Danielle Romanello, Hoover and Jordan Matthews.

    The fifth inning was highlighted by the massive three-run home run by Sophia Reynoso that struck a light pole behind the left-center fence. There was no-doubt when the ball was hit that it would carry over the fence.

    In the circle, ace Kelly Barnhill allowed a single hit in three innings of work before giving way to sophomore Natalie Lugo and freshman Danni Farley to finish the game. Barnhill finished with seven strikeouts while Lugo managed one as well.

    Fast Stats:

    • The Gators are now 25-0 all-time in tournaments at USF.
    • Amanda Lorenz finished 3-4 with a double and 3 RBI
    • Sophia Reynoso finished 1-3 on the night, but had 4 RBI and scored two runs.
    • Eight Gators finished the night with an RBI.
    • In total, 18 Gators saw the field including seven players that had never worn the Orange and Blue (5 freshman, 2 transfers)

    Quotables:

    • Head coach Tim Walton: “I thought we played good, not great.”
    • Outfielder/First baseman Amanda Lorenz: “This lineup is really fun to be in.”
    • Pitcher Kelly Barnhill: “No jitters at this point, it’s just the excitement of going out there and getting to play with your teammates for the first time (outside of fall practice).

    W: Barnhill (1-0)

    L: Shannon Felde (0-2)

  • WGYM Liveblog: No. 12 Auburn at No. 2 Florida

    WGYM Liveblog: No. 12 Auburn at No. 2 Florida

     

    It’s that time again, Gator fans! Tonight is Link to Pink in the O-Dome and your favorite Gator gymnasts are ready to wow the crowd in honor of all those fighting breast cancer. As always, Alicia Boren and Trinity Thomas are among the top routines to watch tonight, especially in the closing rotation as they take to floor. Savannah Schoenherr is also one to keep an eye on – she’s been close to breaking into the floor lineup for a few weeks now, so tonight may be the night we see her routine in action. Alyssa Baumann has also been on the road to the all-around, and as she continues to recover from a scare early in the season, she gets stronger each week. Will we see her new Yurchenko 1.5 vault tonight? You’ll have to stick around to find out!

    Auburn is a formidable opponent tonight, as they’ve pulled multiple upsets already this season, including against the higher-ranked LSU Tigers. Abby Milliet is Auburn’s senior leader, competing three events with top scores each week. Meanwhile, Derrian Gobourne is its star freshman, who has traded SEC Freshman of the Week honors with Florida’s Thomas throughout the season thus far. Will they upset the Gators tonight as they did with LSU? It’s not likely, but crazier things have happened.

    6:35pm: Hey guys! Looking forward to an awesome meet tonight. Use the #ncaagym hashtag so I can see and feature your tweets! I should have lineups shortly, so when I have them, you’ll have them.

    https://twitter.com/mycluttereddesk/status/1094018113874653190

    6:40pm: Just got lineups! Some interesting changes tonight – looking forward to seeing what vault Hundley does, since she’s been training a 1.5, though I haven’t seen it since December. Looking forward to seeing Gobourne, Watson and Milliet in person, and seeing Schoenherr lead floor! Excited to see her break into that lineup.

    6:50pm: Intros happening now. Just realized that they introduce Baumann as a World Champion, which is amazing. NBD. But also like how did I not notice that until now? Ha!

    https://twitter.com/mycluttereddesk/status/1094022814103945218

    7:01pm: Getting started finally!

    Alexander, VT: FTY, nice high pop off the table, small slide on the landing. She’s definitely been working on that control there.

    Watson, UB: first HS good, Tkachev is craazy high, wow. Bail is good, a little floppy. Last handstand short. Full in slings it out a little, small adjustment on landing.

    Wow, it’s weird to see Bryan Raschilla with this team. Not used to that.

    7:03pm: Hundley, VT: just the FTY tonight, really deep knee bend on the landing, almost like she was short? Yeah, wow, she underestimated that. Not what we’re used to from her.

    Krippner, UB: Maloney nice, bail is solid. Last handstand is good. Full in super close to the bar! Yikes! But she sticks it, wow. That was close.

    7:04pm: Reed, VT: Goes further rather than higher tonight, but it works for her – just a small hop forward instead of her usual bound. Much improved.

    Gobourne, UB: First handstand is fine, though the half turn is too quick for my taste. Huge tkachev! Pak is okay, a little leg sep. Full in, maybe a stick? I thought I saw a foot move just a wee bit.

    7:07pm: Schoenherr, VT: Y1.5, not as big a block as she’s capable of, but the distance is good and again, just a small hop on the landing. The Gators have been working these landings!

    Cerio, UB: Clear hip half, piked Jaeger is lovely. Bail dead on. Last handstand maybe a little short, full pirouette is good. Double tuck dismount, looked like a stick but she saluted herself off balance and stepped back, whoops. Still a strong score though!

    7:08pm: Boren, VT: Y1.5 and it’s one of her good ones – WOW was that a stick? Hmmm slow mo replay shows not, but it was damn close.

    Milliet, UB: Ray is gorgeous, pak just FLOOOOOATS wow. Lovely last handstand, full turn is so controlled, and she shows off that stick. Auburn coming for this bar rotation!

    7:10pm: Thomas, VT: She just has so much power, jeez. Hop forward out of her Y1.5 but keeps it under control.

    Day, UB: Hecht mount, that’s fun. First handstand a little short, next one is better. Blind change is good, Jaeger to overshoot nice! Last handstand a little iffy, arabian double front dismount with a step or two.

    AFTER ONE: Florida trails Auburn ever so slightly, with the Gators scoring 49.35 to the Tigers’ 49.375. Those vault landings are really where Florida is giving it away, but they’ve clearly been working on them. Another week or two and they should be fire. Auburn really went for it on bars, though there wasn’t enough separation between the good and the great for me.

    7:18pm: Here we go with rotation two!

    Phillips, VT: She’s really come into her own this year, I love seeing her as a mainstay. Big height, opens early and STICKS! That was awesome! Little leg form in there though.

    Boren, UB: Tkachev is lovely, handstands great so far. Bail straight on. Last handstand is near perfect. DLO a little close to the bar, a little shuffle back on the landing.

    7:20pm: Krippner, VT: Another FTY, cleaner form than Phillips but a slide back.

    Gowey, UB: Good first handstand. Ray is solid – did I see a flexed foot? Say it ain’t so! Pak is nice. Handstand on low bar is fine, though goes over too fast for my taste – she’s rushing. Last handstand is short, DLO with a step back. Not her best.

    7:22pm: Day, VT: Y1.5, was not prepared for the landing and ends up falling after staggering back.

    Hundley, UB: Maloney to bail, very nice. Good handstands on low bar. Little leg sep on Van Leeuwen, crowd exclaims like they’ve never seen that before, what? Full in, little step with one foot.

    7:24pm: Gobourne, VT: Y1.5, small step forward. Loooove her height and distance. That’s a good reset after Day.

    Thomas, UB: Good first handstand, Maloney to uprise is just so strong. Pak is nice, good handstands after. Van Leeuwen better than Hundley’s. Good last handstand. DLO is like a dart into the mat, feet couldn’t move if she tried! Crowd goes nuts, screaming for 10s. We’ll see if they go for it in the four spot.

    7:26pm: Watson, VT: Y1.5, almost a carbon copy of Gobourne including great dynamics and the step forward.

    Skaggs, UB: Great first handstand, Tkachev is so high and sharp, straight to pak, good. Snaps into last handstand so aggressively, and she too sticks her double layout! Florida starting to turn up the heat here.

    7:27pm: Glenn, VT: Y1.5, overcooks it and takes a big lunge forward. Both teams with some errors on vault tonight, it seems, but I think Auburn’s may hurt them more than Florida’s did, simply because they have to drop Day’s fall.

    Schoenherr, UB: Almost goes over on first handstand but she saves it. Jaeger is strong, bail a little floppy? Last handstand iffy. Goes for the big dismount tonight, double back half out and sticks it! Very nice!

    AFTER TWO: Florida pulls ahead with a 98.775 to Auburn’s 98.3. Auburn had to count Glenn’s 9.575, while Florida’s drop score was a 9.825. Thomas will win bars with her 9.95, and Boren wins vault with a 9.925. Auburn still keeping it close despite the flubs on vault, but I’d say it’s still unlikely that they’ll upset the Gators, especially considering Florida has home floor advantage.

    7:36pm: Here we go! Rotation three!

    Skaggs, BB: Double wolf, looked scary there for a second but she controls it. Switch leap to split jump, lovely positions in the air. Bhs loso, little stutter step bobble but she stays on. Cat leap to side aerial to back full, good! Bounce in place, slow mo shows her toes stayed down so idk, I’ll leave the stick call up to you guys.

    Slappey, FX: Front lay to Rudi to open, nice! Bringing some sass to this routine. Lovely split positions in her dance elements, and throws a stag in there for good measure. Double tuck to close, looks like only a two-pass routine for her. That was a cute one, a good lead off for them.

    7:40pm: Hundley, BB: American Pie for her beam music this week – the whole arena is singing along, amazing. Front aerial to sissone, good. Bhs loso, super steady. Cat leap to switch side, secure. Full turn, you can tell that’s one of the parts that makes her most nervous, but she keeps it under control. Roundoff 1.5, a little step or two on the landing but she looked glad just to be done!

    7:42pm: Sheppard, FX: Triple full to open! A little crossy crossy and flexed feet, but still impressive and good control on the landing. Not as much height in her dance elements as I typically expect, but positions were fine. Showing off her dance and flexibility here, giving great face. 1.5 to front lay to close, another two pass routine. That was fun!

    7:43pm: Boren, BB: Front toss, so strong. Bhs loso, steady as a rock. Switch leap to straddle, not her best but fine from where I sit. Cat leap to gainer loso, masks the bobble and makes it dance! The mark of a pro. Cartwheel to gainer full, stick! Redemption from last week.

    7:45pm: Watson, FX: Bringing the drama this year, loving this already. Double arabian to open, doesn’t get a lot of height but gets it around no problem, just a step on the landing. She was close to the corner but I don’t think she went out. Double tuck second pass, good. Straddle positions are nice on her dance elements. Gives a little AU in the corner, nice. 1.5 to front lay to close, dances out. Not the best I’ve seen her do but what can I say, my standards are high.

    7:47pm: Gowey, BB: Traded the order with her and Thomas this week. Switch to split is good. Triple series, so patient with it, just lays it perfectly in line. Front aerial to sissone, great. Gainer full, stick! Just makes it look so easy.

    7:49pm: Gobourne, FX: Full in to open, a little crazy legs but lands it perfectly in time with the music, controls the crazy in the landing better than in the air, but it’s still there. Combo pass is good, dances right out. She’s totally showing this routine off feeding off the big crowd. Double pike to close, jumps back to land on the floor – I love the ending! That should be a big one for them, despite the stressful opening landing.

    7:51pm: Thomas, BB: Switch half to beat, lovely. One-arm bhs to loso, straight on. Front aerial to wolf jump, better in that connection than the last time here at home. Roundoff double full, slide back. Gave away a little on the landing, but honestly not much else.

    7:53pm: Milliet, FX: Front lay to Rudi to open, such clean twisting form. Lovely switch ring position, yes. Double pike, two foot stick! Wow! Really turning it up here, you can see the showmanship and experience shining through. 1.5 to front lay, so well controlled. Tuck jump really high to drop split, the whole crowd goes crazy!! Can’t help but gasp and cheer. That was awesome!

    7:55pm: Baumann, BB: She put the Onodi back in! Little hesitation and adjustment after, but she keeps it small and controlled. Bhs loso is great. Switch to switch half is solid. Full turn, effortless. Side aerial, good. Roundoff 1.5 twist, fights for the stick and keeps her right foot down! That should be another solid score for them.

    7:56pm: Day, FX: She’s so animated, I love that. Double arabian to open, and it’s good! Not even the deep landing like she usually does. Double tuck for her second pass, solid. Playing to the FNH camera here in the corner in this dance break, what a gamer. Front full to front lay is well controlled, and the crowd can’t help but cheer for her as she finishes. That’s a fun one.

    AFTER THREE: Florida still leads Auburn, but again, Auburn is keeping it closer. The Gators are sitting pretty at 148.2, with the Tigers at 147.775. Boren, Gowey and Baumann lead beam at 9.9, while Milliet and Day lead floor at 9.925.

    https://twitter.com/linseaford/status/1094038905672921093

    8:04pm: I love this! Toe point is where you can really see the comfort and mastery level in a gymnast’s skills – if that’s what they’re thinking about rather than doing the skill, they have to be super comfortable and confident with it.

    8:05pm: Okay, here we go with the final rotation!

    Watson, BB: Bhs loso, big lean but stays on. Side aerial, steady. Switch to split 1/4, another bobble, leans forward but again stays on. Roundoff 1.5 twist, slide forward.

    8:07pm: Schoenherr, FX: her competitive debut! Stoked for this. So dramatic, and the musicality here in this opening section is great. Opens with double pike, good control. Dance elements are good. 1.5 twist to front lay, doesn’t get a lot of rise in there but controls it fine. Rudi to close, maybe a little ragged than she’s capable of but a solid open. Good for her!

    8:08pm: Gobourne, BB: She’s sassy even on beam, I love that. Bhs loso, stays patient with it and doesn’t show a single sign of moving. Switch leap to straddle 1/4, good. Cat leap side aerial back full, slide back. Trending upward, that’s good for them.

    8:10pm: Hundley, FX: Whip to double tuck to open, crowd is living for her routine right now. Double pike, lots of power but does her best to keep her front foot down in her lunge landing. I think the floor section in this dance break kills a lot of the energy in the room for her, but maybe that’s just me. 1.5 to front lay to close, nice.

    8:12pm: Sheppard, BB: Bhs, doesn’t go for her series, clearly uncomfortable. Tries again, bhs loso, leg up but covers well by bringing it to passe, wow. What a pro. Hitchkick to side aerial, another small bobble. Leap series is good. Bhs to back 1.5, looked like a small adjustment on landing.

    Me too, Susie. Me too.

    8:14pm: Reed, FX: Bring Em Out is playing in the arena, and it’s so aptly timed – this is where Florida’s heavy hitters come out. DLO to open, just soooo much power, and good control on the landing. Not as big a smile this week, maybe in her head a little? Wonder what she’s worrying about. Front lay to Rudi, there’s that smile. Shoulder roll, loooove. Double pike to close, hits last pose and the crowd goes nuts! People screaming 10 everywhere. Don’t think they’ll do it in the 3 spot but we’ll see.

    8:17pm: Krippner, BB: Front aerial to bhs, connection v slow but unlikely to be taken away from her I think. Front aerial, tries to save it by going to a scale but leans too far forward, breaks at hips and falls. Yikes. Leap series is good, but she doubts it and has another big bobble. Roundoff 1.5 with a stick, but too little too late.

    8:18pm: Boren, FX: Still don’t understand why she’s in the 4 spot but I’m not in charge here. DLO to open is amazing as usual, combo pass also solid and controlled, just one step out. Double tuck to finish, super high, pops it out to the lunge just to save her ankles, not like she needs it. Crowd booing the fact that it’s not a 10.

    https://twitter.com/LaLaBex22/status/1094043789923094531

    8:21pm: Milliet, BB: Starting in the midst of the boos with her front tuck mount, just a little lean. Sooo calm, I’m impressed. Series is great. Showing off the flexibility in a back walkover. Split to sheep, the best sheep jump I’ve ever seen in this arena. Cat leap to gainer full, small adjustment with right foot. That’s exactly what they needed her to do.

    8:22pm: Thomas, FX: Crowd already in high gear for this one. DLO to open, yessssss. 1.5 to front full today, no double full. Probably to keep it clean. Worm to oversplit on the floor, slaying it. Double pike to close, pops it out to a lunge, looked like she landed on the edge of the sting mat so might’ve been an awkward feeling for her. Butterfly to closing pose. Everyone cheering, but I think it’s only a 9.975. So close. Here come the boos again.

    8:25pm: Sylvia, BB: So cool for her to be anchoring! Front aerial to rufolva, wow! (That’s a full twisting back handspring swing down to straddle the beam, for those who arne’t die hard fans.) Leap series is good. Cartwheel to gainer full, shows off the stick for a few seconds! They drop the fall!

    8:27pm: Baumann, FX: If she deserves it and doesn’t get the 10, I think this crowd might riot. Opens with a double tuck, so easy for her. 1.5 to front full, lands it perfectly and doesn’t even have to step, just hits her next pose in the same place. Crowd is clapping so loud now. Double pike is great. Arena on their feet roaring. Say what you will about the overscoring and rabid fans, but this is an incredible atmosphere to be in.

    The Gators will take it pretty easily tonight, scoring a very respectable (and realistic, I think) 197.85. Auburn will go 196.7, a road score they can use, though they’ll want to find a few higher ones if they’re gunning for the evening session of SECs.

    Vault will go to Boren with her 9.925, and Thomas will take bars at 9.95. Beam is a three-way tie at 9.9s for Baumann, Boren and Gowey, and floor will go to Thomas with her near-perfect 9.975. This means the all-around will go to Thomas with a 39.7, a HUGE score, especially for a freshman.

    Fun stats to close out the night for you: tonight’s crowd was the ninth-largest in school history at 9,055 people. They actually made an announcement asking people to scoot in in their rows and make room for more fans. UF has never lost a Link to Pink meet, and tonight continues their streak. I’ll have a recap for you guys later tonight, but that’s gonna do it for the liveblog! Thanks for hanging out!

  • WBB: Gators rally past Alabama for second SEC victory

    WBB: Gators rally past Alabama for second SEC victory

    Photo by Brian Fox / Chomp Talk

    Final: Florida 57, Alabama 55

    Florida head coach Cameron Newbauer told Delicia Washington that Alabama was daring her to shoot. That strategy cost the Tide as Washington rose to the occasion when Florida needed a basket.

    Washington controlled possession near the elbow as the shot clock started to dwindle. Washington pulled up and sank a two pointer with fifteen seconds left that put the Gators in front 57-55.

    After a pair of Alabama timeouts, the Crimson Tide’s Cierra Johnson put up a shot that bounced off the rim and into the outstretched hands of Washington to seal the victory. For the game, Washington had 7 points and 9 rebounds.

    The Gators found themselves down by as many as nine in the second half but proved resilient enough to overcome the deficit.

    Funda Nakkasoglu scored 20 points, with 13 coming in the second half. Danielle Rainey added 12 points and 4 boards while floor general Kiki Smith added 4 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and only turned the ball over twice.

    Newbauer called it a “well-deserved” win while Nakkasoglu added that “it’s amazing, all the hard work is paying off.”

    Florida improves to 6-17 on the season and 2-8 in SEC play. The Gators will travel to Athens on Sunday to take on Georgia in a matinee date. The Bulldogs are 13-9 overall and 4-5 in league action.

  • SB: Gators likely to rely on lineup for return trip to OKC

    SB: Gators likely to rely on lineup for return trip to OKC

    Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images

    The Florida Gators softball program will has been one of the most consistent in the country for the better part of the last decade. The Gators advanced to the Women’s College World Series for the ninth time in eleven years in 2018, the best mark in the nation over that time frame, and will look to add to it in 2019.

    Despite returning two SEC Player of the Year recipients (Kelly Barnhill 2017, Amanda Lorenz 2018), the team lost a ton of production.

    Ah, but Florida doesn’t rebuild. The Gators simply reload. While many questioned who would fill the void left behind by the second winningest class in program history, head coach Tim Walton had a plan.

    The Gators have reloaded with a combination of the #3 ranked recruiting class (FloSoftball.com) and a pair of immediate-impact transfers.

    The following is our preview of the 2019 Gators Softball program.

    FLORIDA GATORS (2018: 56-11)

    Key Losses:

    P/UT Aleshia Ocasio, C Janelle Wheaton, 1B Kayli Kvistad, 3B Nicole DeWitt

    As we mentioned earlier, this group is the second winningest class in Florida history. Aleshia Ocasio was the perfect compliment to Kelly Barnhill in the circle and proved her value at the plate as well. Janelle Wheaton was truly a leader behind the dish for the Gators while Kvistad and DeWitt were consistent throughout their careers with Florida.

    KEY RETURNERS:

    P Kelly Barnhill, OF Amanda Lorenz, SS Sophia Reynoso, OF Jordan Matthews, 2B Hannah Adams

    With fifteen players returning from last year’s team, the Gators are flush with experienced talent at most positions on the field. The Gators have a solid tandem up the middle with Reynoso, one of the slickest fielders in the nation, and Adams- who wasn’t credited for a single error in her freshman season. Florida also returns defending SEC Player of the Year, Amanda Lorenz, who hit a whopping .416 while slugging at a .753 clip.

    Kelly Barnhill anchors the pitching staff. Barnhill is one of the most decorated athletes in UF athletics history. Some of those accolades include winning an ESPY in 2017 in addition to being named the National Player of the Year. Despite giving up 21 home runs in 2018, Barnhill finished the season with a 1.08 ERA in 41 appearances.

    Behind Barnhill however, there is some questions, but we will address that later.

    KEY ADDITIONS:

    C Kendyl Lindaman (transfer), OF Jade Caraway (transfer), 3B Hannah Sipos (freshman), P Danni Farley (freshman), P Elizabeth Hightower (freshman), Asst. Coach Mike Bosch

    Walton addressed several needs via the transfer route during the off-season, landing Lindaman and Caraway who will immediately improve an offense that at times last year could be stagnant. Lindaman is a power bat that will likely see action behind Lorenz in the lineup. Lindaman was a 2018 second team All-American and cranked out 40 homers in two years at Minnesota.

    Caraway is also a junior, and while she doesn’t possess the power of Lindaman, she will likely find a home at the top of the Gators lineup. As a sophomore at NC State, Caraway successfully stole 13 bases without getting caught. As a freshman, Caraway set the program record with a .389 average.

    Freshman INF Hannah Sipos is expected to start at the hot corner according to Walton. Sipos is a slick fielder that can also swing the bat for power if needed. Walton also spoke of Farley and Hightower getting significant action this fall.

    New assistant coach Mike Bosch joined the Gators after the departure of beloved assistant Jen Rocha. Bosch is an analytics driven pitching coach who has “stats for everything,” according to Walton. Kelly Barnhill is stated that she is excited to work with Bosch and the analytical approach.

    2019 OUTLOOK:

    The Gators enter 2019 with a team that should make a deep run into postseason. A lot will be dependent on the production from the #2 starter behind Barnhill. Sophomore Natalie Lugo is likely to fill the role, but junior Katie Chronister as well as Farley and Hightower will likely have opportunities as well.

    The depth of the team is impressive. No matter how you slice it, there will be several big bats on the bench at any point. The only question mark heading into the season, defensively, is who will play at first base and how will that affect the defensive alignment. In fall scrimmages, Lorenz and freshman Amanda Beane played the position most frequently. Lorenz makes sense, if she’s adjusted well, as the Gators will need to make room for a star studded outfield that includes, Caraway, Jordan Matthews, Danielle Romanello, Jamie Hoover (also an infielder) and Alex Voss, who Walton spoke highly of at Media Day on Tuesday. NOTE: Beane played shortstop in high school.

    Projected Lineup:

    • Caraway LF
    • Lorenz 1B
    • Lindaman C
    • Matthews RF
    • Romanello DP
    • Sipos 3B
    • Reynoso SS
    • Beane 1B
    • Adams 2B
    • Voss CF

    Projected Rotation:

    • Barnhill
    • Lugo
    • Farley
    • Chronister
    • Hightower

    The Gators open the season on Friday in Tampa as part of the USF Opening Weekend Tournament. Florida will play five games in three days against top notch opponents such as Michigan and Arizona.

    Stay up to date with Florida softball by following ChompTalk.com on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • FB: Gators finish 2019 recruiting cycle with top-ten class

    FB: Gators finish 2019 recruiting cycle with top-ten class

    Photo by Michael Wade / Getty Images

    Dan Mullen and his staff closed out the 2019 recruiting cycle on a high note on Wednesday’s National Signing Day. Not only did the Gators sign every one of their verbal commitments, they also managed to steal a couple from Alabama and Georgia, respectively.

    The day began exactly as it was planned when Diwun Black made his long time commitment official by signing his letter of intent. Black has been one of the most outspoken recruits in the 2019 class and has taken an active role in recruiting, himself. Despite sitting out the 2018 season, he still carried a four star rating into NSD and performed very well in the U.S. Army All American Bowl.

    Not long after receiving Diwun’s letter, Dan Mullen received a fax confirming the signature of Arjei Henderson. Henderson was a long time FSU commitment but announced his intentions to be a Gator during the Under Armour All American Game. A highly skilled wide receiver, Henderson had many Gators holding their breath as to whether or not he would remain steadfast in his commitment. With his signed letter of intent, Gator Nation let out a collective sigh of relief.

    Apart from the verbal commitments that still needed signatures, Florida entered the day with a quartet of high value targets. Despite missing out on DE Charles Moore and ATH Mark-Antony Richards, Mullen and company secured a top ten class when they signed four star DE Khris Bogle and four star DB Kaiir Elam.

    If Elam’s name sounds familiar to you, it should. He is the nephew of former Gators’ safety Matt Elam. Coming from NFL bloodlines, Elam figures to be an early impact player, adding immediate depth and skill to a once thin secondary. His recruitment came down to the wire and was widely considered a race between Florida and Georgia.

    As Elam made his announcement, he made hearts sink. First, for the Gators as he picked up a Georgia cap and then for the Bulldogs, as he tossed it aside and put on the Florida cap. This was a big win for Dan Mullen in the Florida/Georgia rivalry that looks to heat up even more in the near future.

    As big as each of these signees are to the 2019 class, it was the announcement of Khris Bogle that set the tone for the day. Bogle’s recruitment was a bit of a ride, as he was heavily favored for Miami at one point. Then Tennessee. Then Miami, again before finally committing to Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

    That commitment, likely would have remained if not for the extreme level of attrition amongst the Tide’s coaching staff. As it were, the door for Bogle’s recruitment was re-opened and several programs jumped at the opportunity and it was Florida who came out on top.

    Not to be overlooked, Justin Pelic, a two star LB out of Mt. Pleasant, SC, also joined the class as a preferred walk on.

    This class may not be as flashy as others on paper, but make no mistake, this is an excellent haul. Comprised of seventeen four star and eight three star recruits, the 2019 class fills much needed gaps with blue chip talent and adds a few extra toys to the chest as well.

    In each of his first two classes at Florida, Mullen has managed to steal recruits away from some of the nation’s elite coaching staffs. Paired with the results of an abundantly successful first season, let this class be the signal fire to the rest of the nation that a changing of the guard is near. Dan Mullen is building a monster.

  • MBB: Gators fall at Auburn 76-62; sink below .500 in SEC play

    MBB: Gators fall at Auburn 76-62; sink below .500 in SEC play

    Photo by Richard Graessle / Getty Images

    Final: Auburn 76, Florida 62

    The Florida Gators are running out of options to build a resume for an NCAA tournament bid.

    ESPN bracketologist Joe Lundardi had the Gators in the bracket as one of the final teams in prior to Tuesday’s loss at Auburn.

    Even with that bit of positive news, the Gators team is stuggling to find consistency on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

    Florida only trailed by three points midway through the first half (18-15) before a 12-4 Tigers run pushed the lead further.

    The Gators however fought back and got the lead down to six by halftime.

    Freshman Keyontae Johnson opened the second half with a pair of made free throws to get Florida within four points, but Auburn would once again go on a run and outscore the Gators 13-2 to essentially seal the game.

    Senior forward Kevarrius Hayes led the Gators with 11 points despite starting the game on the bench due to arriving late to a meeting earlier in the week.

    Senior guard KeVaughn Allen and freshman Noah Locke each added ten points. Johnson added 7 points and a team leading 10 rebounds.

    As a team, Florida shot just 4-20 from the 3-point line, but sank all twelve attempts from the charity stripe.

    The Gators fall to 12-10 on the season and 4-5 in SEC play. Unfortunately for Florida, the schedule doesn’t get any easier as the Gators will make a trip to Knoxville to play #1 Tennessee on Saturday.

  • Gators basketball teams swept by Kentucky over weekend

    Gators basketball teams swept by Kentucky over weekend

    Photo by Andy Lyons / Getty Images

    On consecutive nights the University of Florida’s men’s and women’s basketball teams lost tightly contested games against highly ranked opponents from Kentucky.

    Saturday’s final:

    Kentucky 65, Florida 54

    GAINESVILLE, FL- On Saturday the men’s basketball team suffered another late collapse as they held an eleven point lead with thirteen minutes to play.

    #7 Kentucky’s defense buckled down and the team went on a 15-0 run that sealed the Gators fate.

    Florida fell to 12-9 on the season and 4-4 in conference play.

    Freshman point guard Andrew Nembhard lead all Gators with 12 points while senior guards KeVaughn Allen and Jalen Hudson (off the bench) each added 11.

    Freshman forward Keyontae Johnson added eight points and team leading ten rebounds.

    The Gators were search for a resume-builder as they appear to be on the outside of the NCAA tournament field.

    Florida still has several opportunities to improve their resume including their next two contests when they face Auburn and Tennessee.

    Sunday’s final:

    Kentucky 62, Florida 51

    LEXINGTON, KY- The women’s basketball played a tight game against #19 Kentucky, but ultimately the Wildcats proved too deep and experienced for a young Gators team.

    Florida last led the game after the first made basket of the second quarter, a three-pointer by freshman Ariel Johnson (18-15), but Kentucky went on an 8-0 run and never trailed again.

    The Gators had opportunities, especially at the end of the third quarter. Danielle Rainey made a driving layup to close the gap 42-40 which was followed immediately by a timeout from head coach Cameron Newbauer. Kentucky, however, responded with the final three points of the period on the way to the win.

    Rainey scored a career high with 20 points while Delicia Washington finished with a double-double (10 points, 14 rebounds).

    Despite shooting 45% from the field, Florida turned the ball over 24 times, which was the difference in the game.

    The Florida women are now 5-17 on the season and will face Alabama (11-11) on Thursday in Gainesville.

  • FB: Gators land commitment from 4-star DT Johnnie Brown

    FB: Gators land commitment from 4-star DT Johnnie Brown

    Photo via Adidas / 247 Sports

    Dan Mullen and the Florida Gators have added another blue-chip prospect for the 2020 class.

    4-star DT Johnnie Brown, from Middleton High in Tampa, announced his commitment via Twitter on Saturday.

    Brown is the #98 prospect in the nation for the 2020 cycle and is ranked as the #7 DT in the country per the 247 composite rankings.

    According to 247 Sports, Brown holds eight offers and was primarily recruited by tight ends coach Larry Scott.

    Brown become the eighth commitment for Florida in the 2020 class, which is presently ranked #3 in the country.

  • MBB: Gators steal win against Ole Miss

    MBB: Gators steal win against Ole Miss

    Photo by Rich Von Bilberstein / Getty Images

    Final: Florida 90, Mississippi 86 (OT)

    The Good:

    Florida senior guard KeVaughn Allen went the first 39:57 of Wednesday’s game 0-5 from three-point range. But when the Gators needed a clutch basket in the waning seconds of the game, Allen was just that, clutch.

    Florida appeared to be heading towards their fourth conference loss of the season in a script seen all too often: take second half lead, go ice cold from the floor, and lose the game.

    Allen wouldn’t let that happen. Allen sank a game tying trey with 2.5 seconds left that sent the Gators to overtime.

    In overtime Allen added four more points to get to his total of 21. More importantly, Allen dove towards the sideline to save a ball and regain possession at a critical time for the Gators.

    Freshman Noah Locke led the Gators with 22 points, which include the game-icing free throws with eleven seconds remaining.

    The Bad:

    Once again the Gators allowed a team to take the lead after controlling the action for much of the game. Had it not been for Allen, many of the same questions would be plaguing this team.

    For all the positive that Allen provided, he made a terrible decision in the final minute of overtime as he attempted to pass the ball out of a double-team. Instead of making Ole Miss foul him, Allen elected to pass the ball over the crowd of defenders, but the ball was stolen and put up for an easy layup which closed the gap to one possession. This is simply something that a senior veteran such as Allen can’t make.

    What it means:

    Florida is now 4-3 in SEC play, only three games back of Tennessee and LSU. The Gators will face Kentucky on Saturday at home before facing Auburn on the road next week.

  • FB: Orange and Blue Game to be played April 13, Time TBA

    FB: Orange and Blue Game to be played April 13, Time TBA

    Photo by David Rosenblum / Getty Images

    The annual Orange and Blue Game has a date. The event offers a break from the off season doldrums and a chance for the Gators faithful to get a first look at the 2019 squad.

    Although a kickoff time hasn’t been set – television coverage will determine that- the scrimmage will take place, rain or shine, on April 13th.

    In a press release, head coach Dan Mullen had this to say about the spring time festivities, “I can’t wait for our staff and players to be back home in the Swamp.”

    We will keep you up to date with the latest info on the spring practice schedule as that information becomes available.