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BSB: No. 7 Gators Wallop No. 5 Seminoles in Tallahassee

March 11, 2025

Photo via Gainesville Sports Commission

Backed by a stellar pitching performance, the No. 7 Florida Gators dominated in-state rival No. 5 Florida State, 7-2, in front of 6,700 raucous fans at Dick Howser Stadium Tuesday night.

The Gators have won 23 of the last thirty meetings between the two programs despite the Seminoles claiming a three game sweep over Florida a year ago. FSU entered the matchup as one of two unbeaten teams in NCAA Division I baseball (Tennessee).

Florida opened the scoring in the top of the second as Luke Heyman singled up the middle to score Brendan Lawson. Lawson had led off the inning being hit by a pitch by FSU starter Eric Chrest.

The Gators added three runs in the fifth inning highlighted by Justin Nadeau’s RBI double that scored Heyman from second base.

FSU finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth on a solo homer by Drew Faurot, but the Gators responded in the seventh with a massive two-run blast by Shelton in the seventh. For Shelton, it was his second homer of the year. Through seven innings, Florida led 6-1.

The Gators looked to add some insurance in the eighth inning as the first three batters of the inning reached base without swinging the bat (walk, two hit-by-pitches), however, only one run scored via an RBI groundout by Bobby Boser.

A Myles Bailey solo homer in the bottom of the ninth made it just a five run game before Alex Philpott shut the door on the ‘Noles.

Despite the offensive surge, pitching ruled the day for the Gators. Head coach Kevin O’Sullivan gave the starting nod to veteran Billy Barlow. Barlow gave the Gators three innings and allowed just three runners to reach base. Florida then turned to freshman Jackson Barberi (W, 1-0) who tossed three terrific innings, surrendering just the one solo homer. Sophomores Luke McNeillie (2 IP) and Philpott (1 IP) closed out the win for the Gators.

In total, the Florida pitching staff allowed just two walks while striking out ten batters against one of the most potent offensive teams in the nation.

Offensively, Shelton (2-3 and two walks), Nadeau (2-5), and Heyman (2-4) collected multiple base hits. Landon Stripling walked three times and scored twice.

The Gators will head to Knoxville this weekend to open SEC play against the undefeated Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols head into the weekend series 17-0 and defeated West Georgia 4-2 Tuesday in midweek play.
BSB: Three takeaways from Florida’s final non-conference weekend

March 10, 2025

(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

In the final non-conference weekend series of 2025, the No. 7 Florida Gators pulled off a dominant sweep of the Harvard Crimson. With the biggest week of the season so far coming up, here’s three storylines from the weekend to keep an eye on:

The King presides

Aidan King made his first start as Gator and impressed. He tossed six shutout innings while fanning away eight batters and giving up just two hits and a walk. With the health of prior weekend starters Jake Clemente and Pierce Coppola still up in the air, King will likely fill in on Saturdays indefinitely.

“Yeah. that’s the main reason we started him today, is to kinda get him going,” Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said after Saturday’s sweep.

King had only made relief appearances to this point, but got his first taste of being the primary arm last week when he took over for an injured Coppola against Miami early on. He said the change of pace last week helped him adjust his preparation prior to starting against Harvard.

“I would say [it helped],” King said. “Having a longer pitch count and really having to pitch longer helped me a little bit.”

Bobby-Brody derby

Florida, while not quite as focused on hitting for power this season, can certainly still swing it pretty good. The two biggest bats in the lineup right now are Brody Donay and Bobby Boser. Donay, who’s taken his big frame and combined that with an efficient new swing, has always gotten high power grades and was expected to rake. But Boser has shocked many by sitting just one home run behind Donay’s eight.

Boser said the friendly competition and luxury of hitting next to another big bat has been a positive experience for everyone involved.

“It’s awesome, we feed off each other,” Boser said. “[Donay]’s an unreal hitter… I’m just glad to be producing with these guys.”

Shelton and the shift

Gators shortstop Colby Shelton’s bat has been excellent to start the year, hitting .348 with 13 RBIs after recording a .254 average with 56 RBIs last season.

For some reason, teams have employed a right shift against Shelton to little success. It seems almost every hit off the junior’s bat rockets up the third base line — precisely where teams seem to think he can’t hit to.

Either teams will stop shifting or Shelton will stop beating the shift, but with how he’s playing, it’s anyone’s guess which comes first.

Florida heads to Tallahassee to take on the No. 5 Florida State Seminoles at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The game will stream on ACCNX.
SB: No. 3 Gators Claim SEC Opening Weekend Series Win at No. 4 Texas A&M

March 9, 2025

Photo by Gainesville Sports Commission

Despite being shorthanded in the circle and dropping the first game of the series, the Florida Gators clinched a series victory to open SEC play at Texas A&M.

The Gators improved to 26-2 overall and open SEC play with a series win with a matchup against the nation’s second ranked team looming next weekend.

Game One:

Texas A&M 3, Florida 2

The Aggies took advantage of Florida miscues in the bottom of the seventh to clinch a walk-off victory to open the SEC slate for both team Friday night.

Texas A&M opened scoring in the second inning on a solo home run by _ Perez. The Gators response came from freshman Taylor Shumaker, who crushed a no-doubt home run to center to even the score in the fifth inning.

In the bottom of the inning, the Aggies loaded the bases with no outs. Perez hit a sacrifice fly to center to score one, but freshman pitcher Katelyn Oxley retired the side without additional damage.

Once again, the Gators proved resilient and evened the score on Kenleigh Cahalan’s solo shot to center.

Florida had a chance to take a lead in the top of the seventh with two on and two out, but A&M came up with a strikeout of Jocelyn Erickson to end the threat.

In the home half of the inning, Oxley quickly recorded the first two outs before allowing a single to _ Powell. A single by _ Barbara saw Powell race to third base, beating the throw from Falby, but Cahalan threw down to second in an attempt to end the inning but the throw sailed into the outfield allowing unearned run to score.

Oxley (3-1) took the loss despite holding the Aggies to just two earned runs in 6.2 innings of work.

Game Two:

Florida 12, Texas A&M 4 (6)

After dropping the series opener, the Florida Gators dominated the action on Saturday and took the game in run-rule fashion through six innings of play.

The Gators started the game on fire at the plate, scoring four runs in the first inning highlighted by Erickson’s three run blast. The Aggies would respond quickly, however, and plated two runs in the bottom of the first.

Florida put up crooked numbers in the fourth and sixth innings as well as they put the game into run-rule territory. Mia Williams hit a homer in the fourth that extended the lead to 5-2. Reagan Walsh crushed a pair of home runs in the latter innings of the game to ice it for the Gators.

Sophomore Ava Brown (6-0) pitched admirably through the six innings. She allowed just two earned runs and struck out five. In total, she hurled 118 pitches in the effort.

Game Three:

Florida 4, Texas A&M 2

The Gators clinched the series with a thrilling 4-2 win that saw Kara Hammock pick up her sixth win in the circle this season.

The Gators opened the scoring in the second inning when Erickson hit a solo home run to right. The Aggies counter-punched and plated a run on O_ Johnson’s RBI double. In the fourth, Kendra Falby singled to left with the bases loaded. After Cahalan scored easily, _ Shaw rounded third and headed home but fell more than halfway to the plate before being tagged for the final out of the inning.

Once again, the Aggies responded swiftly, this time with a solo homer from freshman _ Dement.

Mia Williams hit her second home run of the series in the sixth inning to put the Gators on top.

Florida got an insurance run in the seventh as Walsh hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded.

The Gators once again got a solid start in the circle as Oxley got her second start of the weekend. The talented freshman tossed four innings before head coach Tim Walton elected to utilize Hammock. Hammock (6-0) closed out the victory with three innings without allowing a hit.

__________

What It Means For Florida:

The Gators are the real deal and their depth played an important role this weekend against one of the top teams in the nation. Sophomore star Keagan Rothrock is unavailable due to injury and the Gators got solid outings from three pieces of the pitching staff. Additionally, they proved the can go punch-counterpunch with any team in the country offensively.

On Deck:

The Gators will take on UCF in midweek action on Wednesday (6:00 PM, SEC Network+) before the SEC home opening weekend against No. 2 Texas.
BSB: Gators sweep Harvard in final non-conference weekend

March 8, 2025

Photo via Gainesville Sports Commission

The Florida Gators’ entered the weekend, whether they like it or not, with next week’s SEC opener against No. 2 Tennessee looming large. Despite the major conference series ahead, Florida could not afford to overlook the Crimson and miss an opportunity to tune up before the competition becomes much more fierce.

UF stayed locked in, and showed it might be hitting its stride at the perfect time.

No. 7 Florida (15-2) picked up the series win and sweep in a doubleheader against Harvard (0-8) Saturday. With the wins, the Gators’ non-conference weekend schedule is now over.

Game 1

Freshman right-handed pitcher Aidan King made the first start of his career in Saturday’s opener. He went six scoreless innings, tossing eight strikeouts and allowing just two hits and one walk.

“I thought he was outstanding,” Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said.

Bobby Boser’s bat stayed hot early. He took a ball 425 feet off the batter’s eye for a two-run bomb in the bottom first inning. After one frame, the Gators led 2-0.

The third baseman had no intentions of letting up after just one deep ball. His next at-bat, he crushed a pitch into right field for a grand slam to put Florida up 6-0 after two innings.

King gave up his first hit of the game on a one-out single after 2.1 innings. He flushed it quick, picking up his fourth strikeout of the game on his way to closing the frame.

“It’s a little different coming in from a closer role to a starter,” King said. “I was just trying to figure out what I need to do get my body prepared.”

Florida tacked on another insurance run in the fifth on an RBI single from Hayden Yost. The Gators led by seven runs headed into the final two innings.

Freshman right-handed reliever Caden McDonald took over for King in the seventh seeking to close game two. He’d retire the side in order, including two strikeouts, to secure the win.

Game 2

Right-handed sophomore Matthew Jenkins got the start for UF in game two. Harvard took advantage, making solid contact in the opening frame and plating two runs on a double. After the initial frame, Florida found itself down 2-0.

Jenkins would finish with four hits, two earned runs, two walks and four strikeouts in 3.0 innings pitched.

UF wasted no time answering to the defecit. A pair of RBIs from Boser and Brendan Lawson tied the game up before Brody Donay stole home on a wild pitch. After one, the Gators led 3-2.

Donay’s destructive campaign continued in game two. He crushed a pitch into left field for his eighth bomb of the year, plating two runs to give the Gators a 5-2 lead in the bottom third.

Florida added some more insurance in the third on an RBI single from Yost. Ty Evans singled and later scored on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch. By the end of the inning, Florida led 7-2.

Right-handed sophomore Luke McNeillie took over for Jenkins in the fourth. He’d let up three runs in the inning before finally closing the frame. Halfway through four, the Gators led 7-5.

Donay made it around the basepaths again in the fourth, this time by way of pitching errors rather than his mammoth strength. Evans added two more runs on a double. Yost joined the fun as well, scoring Blake Cyr on a sacrifice grounder. Then, Nadeau scored Evans on a single before Harvard finally made the third out.

UF led 12-5 at the end of the fourth inning.

Christian Rodriguez replaced McNeillie in the fourth. He plunked one batter before striking out two to close the frame.

Lawson made himself known again in the bottom fifth with a two-run bomb into Dizney Grove. Evans tripled to add another run and scored himself on a wild pitch to give Florida a 16-5 lead.

Harvard would add one back on a solo-shot homer in the sixth after lefty McCall Biemiller took over for Rodriguez. It didn’t matter much as Florida answered on a grounder where Nadeau crossed home plate.

Landon Stripling added two more runs on a single. A bases-clearing double from Yost made it 22-6 before the final frame.

Jackson Barberi came in for the close in the seventh. He struck out the side to secure the win and turn the page to a tough slate of road games for UF.

“This weekend should’ve definitely gave quite a few guys confidence going forward,” O’Sullivan said.

Next up, the Gators travel to Tallahassee for the first of three midweek games this season against the Florida State Seminoles. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. and the game will stream on ACCNX.
WBB: Florida Ends SEC Tournament Run with Loss to LSU

March 8, 2025

Photo by Eakin Howard • Getty Images

The Gators strung together a solid run to reach the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinals. However, it ended on Friday night with a 101-87 loss to LSU.

The Gators were defeated earlier this season by the Tigers, with LSU’s big three, Mikaylah Williams, Annessah Morrow and Flaujae Johnson dropping 22, 21 and 19, respectively.

Once again, Morrow figured out Florida’s defense early, scoring eight of the Tigers’ first 10. The experienced guard helped fuel the offense without Flaujae Johnson in the mix. Johnson will not play in the SEC tournament due to shin inflammation.

The Gators turned the ball over eight times in the first quarter, leading to 13 Tiger points and a lack of offensive rhythm.

Florida didn’t let the mistakes linger and orchestrated a 9-0 run, pulling to within three thanks to Jeriah Warren and Liv McGill. McGill, who was coming off a career-high 29-point performance, continued her hot streak, with 11 first-half points.

Mjracle Sheppard ended the first with five straight points, putting the Tigers up 10.

The Gators began the second with a newfound urgency. Florida forced turnovers and converted with a Jeriah Warren three-pointer. Warren had seven points in the first half, six coming from deep.

“I think my teammates did a great job of finding me. Everybody kept telling me to shoot the ball and be aggressive,” said Warren.

Me’Arah O’Neal, who secured nine boards against Alabama, picked up where she left off with an offensive rebound and putback, cutting Florida’s deficit in half.

The momentum shifted to the Tigers shortly after, as LSU focused on ball movement and capitalizing off the Gators’ mistakes. Morrow had 16 first-half points and the Tigers shot over 50% from the field.

Florida couldn’t find the same success, hitting only 3-of-14 triples. The Gators were held scoreless for the final two minutes and LSU headed into the half ahead, 53-34.

The Gators improved its defensive presence as the third began, putting together a 7-0 run. However, Florida’s accomplishments were matched with a Morrow masterclass.

The SEC All-First Team selection totaled 36 points and 14 rebounds. Morrow broke the LSU SEC Tournament record for points and tallied her 101st double-double.

Florida continued to fight as the game continued, outscoring the Tigers in the third and fourth quarters. Six Florida players reached double figures in scoring, however, the Tigers matched the energy all night and walked away with a trip to the semifinals.

Although Florida’s tournament run is over, Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley is confident with the future of the program and the returning players.

“They’re competitors who absolutely love the game,” said Finley. “They’re workers and have the right mindset and mentality. They’re very connected to each other and that’s what it takes to build moving forward.”

Florida will return standouts Liv McGill, Me’Arah O’Neal and Laila Reynolds. In addition, redshirt freshman Kylie Kitts will find action come next fall.

In the meantime, Finley hopes the Gators earn an opportunity to compete in the WBIT. The 32-team bracket will be announced on Sunday, March 16.

Florida finished its season 16-17 overall and 5-11 in conference play.
BSB: Gators cruise past Crimson in run-rule win

March 7, 2025

Photo via Gainesville Sports Commission

After a so-so stretch of games in the past seven days, including losses to Miami and UCF, the Florida Gators needed a no-nonsense performance to kickoff the last weekend series before a trip to Tennessee to begin conference play.

They executed the plan to perfection, ending the game as early as possible in a run-rule rout of the Harvard Crimson.

No. 7 Florida (13-2) defeated Harvard (0-7) 12-0 in the first game of its weekend series. Starting right-hander Liam Peterson was awarded the win, tossing five scoreless innings and tying his career high of 11 strikeouts while allowing just four hits and two walks.

“I thought I did my job,” Peterson said.

Peterson got off to a rolling start in his usual Friday outing, striking out his first five batters faced. Florida’s bats followed suit. Colby Shelton put the Gators in front early on an RBI single which scored Hayden Yost.

Peterson gave up his first hits of the game on a pair of singles which put runners on the corners with one out. He’d pick up his seventh and eighth strikeout of the night as he broke free from the jam.

The Gators added some insurance in the bottom third as Brody Donay scored Bobby Boser on a broken play double. After three frames, UF led 2-0.

UF found itself in a bases loaded situation in the bottom fourth and having already scored a run on a hit-by-pitch with juiced bags. Shelton cleared the base paths on an RBI double to make it a 6-0 ballgame after four innings played.

“Just trying to hit something hard back up the middle,” Shelton said. “Didn’t try to do too much. The flood gates just opened up.”

Peterson kept it scoreless through the fifth and tossed his 11th strikeout, matching a career-high he set on opening day against Air Force.

Florida added its seventh run of the game in the bottom fifth frame as Cyr got in on the fun with an RBI single to score Brendan Lawson. Luke Heyman singled behind Cyr to load the bases for Ty Evans. He doubled to tack on two more runs. Yost pushed the Gators over the threshold into run-rule territory on a sacrifice fly, scoring Heyman.

The Gators added two more before the Crimson could make the third out and led 12-0 after five.

Peterson wouldn’t get the chance to eclipse his career high after being pulled for left-hander Niko Janssens to start the sixth inning. He’d retire the side in order to keep Harvard scoreless.

“[Peterson] was good tonight,” O’Sullivan said. “He got us off to a good start on the weekend.”

Janssens returned to the hill seeking three more outs and the win. He’d retire the side in order to secure game one for the Gators.

Florida will seek a series win and sweep in tomorrow’s doubleheader. First pitch for game one is set for noon and will stream on ESPN SEC Network+.
WGYM Liveblog: No. 4 Florida at No. 14 Alabama

March 7, 2025

I am coming in HOT from my week at work away from home, but I am here!

Here’s the TLDR of this matchup: Florida’s season to date has been hot and cold, Alabama’s has been uncharacteristically messy. I’d say Florida is favored, but crazier things have happened. Florida needs a 197.8 (and some help elsewhere) to pull ahead of LSU this week, but in Coleman Coliseum, that may be a tall order. Last week was great for Florida, with Leanne Wong winning Gymnast of the Week and Victoria Nguyen earning Co-Specialist of the Week, but every week is new in gymnastics.

The first two rotations have already elapsed – I walked in to see Wong stick the HELL out of her vault – and from what I can gather, the Gators had a mid-to-alright bar rotation and a pretty great vault rotation, highlighted by a 9.975 on vault. The Tide seems to have done the opposite – mid-to-acceptable vault, pretty great bar rotation. And lo and behold – they’re tied at the half!

AT THE HALF: BOTH TEAM 98.875

8:46pm: Rotation 3!

LaCoursiere, Bama BB: Dance series is lovely as usual. Front aerial… bobble… to bhs, another bobble – will she get credit for that?? Roundoff 1.5 twist – very low punch but still somehow sticks it? This must be where Bama is having problems this year.

Nguyen, UF FX: Front double full to sissone, SUPER well controlled. One of her good ones. Switch ring to switch half, absolutely beautiful. 1.5 to front lay, great control into the arabesque. An awesome start! She’s turned into such a rock on this event, who would have believed it when she was a Georgia freshman…

Fuller, BB: Front aerial to split jump, knees not fully extended. Bhs loso, little lean to the side but snaps her arms down and does not move. Switch leap to split jump, pretty clean. Roundoff 1.5, little hop forward.

Disidore, FX: Rudi to stag to open, some wildness in the air there. Channeling Sakggs there a little, especially with the double buns tonight. 1.5 to front lay to arabesque, pretty well controlled there. That’ll do, but that’s not a postseason routine just yet, I don’t think.

Rybicki, BB: Bobble on her series, but stays on. Lean on her full turn. Split to split 3/4, great split positions, some feet? Fun little forward split roll on the beam. Punch front full, couple shuffles on the landing, every one of those should be a deduction.

Clark, FX: BIG straddle jump to open the routine, sets the tone. DLO for her first pass, REALLY well controlled, maybe her best to date. Tour jete half to Popa, great split positions. Punch through to double tuck, also great control – her best all season!!

Bunagan, BB: Full turn to start is clean. Bhs loso, nice and floaty, snaps those arms down. Split to ring stag, takes her eyes off the beam and comes down sliding off of it, ouch. Bhs gainer full off the side is stuck, but that stings.

9pm: Wong, FX: DLO, looked a little low but she made it around fine and didn’t crunch down. Triple dance series is so crisp and so clean. Whip half to front full, super well controlled. Should be a good score!

Hudson, BB: Front aerial to bhs, very clean and well connected. Switch to switch, both definitely not 180, she is nerrrrrvous. Full turn is fine. Side aerial to beat, very clean. Roundoff 1.5 twist, sticks it! They needed a hit routine.

Harris-Miranda, FX: Front through to double back, SOOOO high, just drops it right in like she picked the spot beforehand. Switch side to straddle 1/2, excellent amplitude. 1.5 to half to double stag jump to one knee – it’s so quick, so crisp. Should be an excellent score!!

Gladieux, BB: Bhs layout 2ft! Very solid, amplitude is great, pretty clean body position too. Front aerial to beat jump, quick. Switch to split, 180s are good, some feet though. Roundoff double full dismount, stuck cold! That should help Bama a lot.

Ferris, FX: Half in half out, much better controlled than in previous weeks. Dance series has good positions in the air, and she gets nice height too. The choreo is mostly posing but she hits all her marks well. 1.5 to – ooh, just a front tuck instead of her front lay? Hopefully that’s still up to the level it needs to be.

Sears, BB exh: Bhs layout 2ft as well! Really clean. Full turn is fine. Dance series is a little muscled but certainly cleaner than some of her teammates previously. Sticks her tongue out during her low beam choreo, that’s so precious. Tuck front full dismount – stuck.

Bui, FX exh: Opens with a chomp! love that. Double wolf turn, pretty steady. Double tuck, good control in her lunge out of it. Triple element dance series is alright, last element felt like an afterthought a little. 1.5 to layout in the same spot as Ferris – Bama should check that corner, there was something a little funky there too, though not as bad this time.

AFTER THREE: UF 148.4, BAMA 147.875

9:22pm: Rotation 4!

Draser, UF BB: Bhs loso, super steady this week, well done. You can see her breathing through this routine. Switch to switch half, flexed feet there for sure, but good 180 it looked like. Sloooow full turn but perfectly comfortable. Roundoff 1.5 stuck! What a great routine, especially after some challenges last week.

Sears, Bama FX: Double pike, big amplitude but front foot slides back quite a ways as she lunges. Lots of energy in this choreo! Huge amplitude in her series, ridiculously good oversplit. Front through to double tuck, just a little underrotated, had to hop forward.

Pilgrim, BB: Bhs loso, super calm and solid. Cat leap to front aerial, just lays it in. Switch leap, hesitates, split leap – I don’t think she’ll get that connection. Bhs gainer full off the side – they may need to drop this one.

Adams, FX: Double wolf turn to start, gorgeous. Double pike, good power, well controlled. Dance series is pretty good, wolf element is maybe a little off axis? A great choreo section in here – really playing to the crowd, hitting her moments in the music. 1.5 to front lay is clean to finish.

Nguyen, BB: Onodi to bhs, so quick, so clean. The shoulder flexibility is incredible. Switch to split, somehow didn’t have a break despite the fact that her foot nearly came off the beam? Roundoff 1.5, couldn’t see if she moved at all on the landing with the camera angle…

9:30pm: LaCoursiere, FX: Double back to open, textbook. Incredible. Front lay to Rudi second pass, very clean in the air and well controlled. A little sluggish it seemed in her leap series but positions in the air were really nice. Front lay to front full – not often we see three passes these days!!

Wong, BB: Switch leap to split leap, super clean. Front aerial, bobble. Don’t love that. Bhs loso, gooorgeous. Being really patient with it. Switch ring, excellent. Gainer tuck full off the end, sticks it!!! This is the first week she’s stuck this dismount!

Rybicki, FX: Double tuck, good control to start. Good straddle positions in the air on her dance series. 1.5 to front full, basically sticks it – Bama will take that!

Harris-Miranda, BB: Bhs loso bhs, so solid, smiles as she lays the third element in. Switch to straddle 1/4, great 180 positions. Full turn is clean. Roundoff 1.5 is stuck!

Hudson, FX: Front lay to front double full! That’s a HARD pass. Really firing up the crowd with this choreo in the middle. Dance series is very clean. 2.5 twist to close, really well controlled.

Arana, BB: An interesting choice! We’ll see how she does. Bhs loso, super patient with it, just lays it back. Front aerial, steady. Switch to switch half, does not reach 180 on the half at all. Gainer full off the side – it’s a hit!

Gladieux, FX: Full out to open, WOW, great amplitude, solid control. Super crisp on her dance series, great split positions in the air. Some fun choreo shenanigans with her teammates in the corner, that’s cute. Front lay to Rudi to split jump to close – that should be a huge score.

Bui, BB exh: Switch to split, a little awkward in the feet maybe? Bhs loso, flexed feet but rock steady. Split 1/2 from side stand, much cleaner than the last time we saw it. Bhs 1.5, little adjustment on the dismount.

Paradise, FX exh: Glad she’s getting this chance on senior night! Double pike to open, solid. Front lay front full, little stutter step on the landing but keeps it in bounds. Maybe a little shy of 180 on the first element in the dance series but good landing positions. Double tuck, a little crunchy but stays on her feet – what a great moment for her, especially after tearing her Achilles on floor last year.

FINAL: UF 198.025, BAMA 197.45

Wong wins the AA, vault, and ties for beam with teammate Harris-Miranda, who won bars as well. Alabama took the floor title with a 9.975 from Lilly Hudson.

An away 198+ score will be a HUGE boon for the Gators going into this last stretch of the regular season. This could bring them over LSU, depending on how the Tigers do tonight. They really needed this with the low away scores they stumbled into earlier in the year – talk about being well-paced. I’m breathing a little easier after the recovery and consistency this week.

That’s all for me tonight – thanks for joining me! I WILL be back (and on time!) for senior night vs. Kentucky next week. Hope to see you then!
WBB: Gators Stun Crimson Tide 63-61 for First Ranked Win Since 2022

March 7, 2025

Photo by Matt Kelley • Getty Images

In a full forty-minute contest, Florida sent Alabama packing with a second-round win in the SEC Women’s Basketball tournament.

Once again, the Gators avenged a loss from earlier in the year and remain undefeated when holding opponents to 69 points or less this season.

Florida started the game with its foot on the gas. The Gator guards pushed the ball in transition, having no trouble finding a lane, however, they struggled to find the bottom of the net. Florida hit 5-of-20 shots from the field in the first.

The birthday girl, Ra Shaya Kyle, found foul trouble with two early personals, opening the door for Me’Arah O’Neal. The freshman played six minutes in the opening quarter, grabbing five boards and knocking down a triple.

“She was outstanding tonight. I think you guys can see what the future holds for Me’Arah,” said Florida Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley. “Me’Arah is extremely talented, she’s bought into her process and without her ability to compete for us tonight we wouldn’t have won that game.”

Back-to-back threes fell for the Crimson Tide late in the first, giving Alabama a 14-13 lead heading into the second.

Florida’s defense continued to suffocate Alabama down low, resulting in a 7-1 Gator run to begin the quarter.

Despite suffering what appeared to be an ankle injury at the end of the Auburn game, Liv McGill looked no worse for the wear, scoring 10 points in the first half and dishing out three dimes.

“I went straight back to the hotel, got some treatment and just prayed,” said McGill. “God took care of that and put his healing hands over me. There was no doubt in my mind about suiting up today.”

Eight straight points helped Florida secure a 30-26 lead at the half despite pushback from Aaliyah Nye and Sarah Ashlee Barker.

Barker and Nye continued the heroics after the half, scoring fifteen of the Crimson Tide’s seventeen third-quarter points.

The fourth was an absolute battle with McGill leading the way. The clutch playmaker scored 29 points, setting a new career high, with 11 coming in the final ten minutes.

“Throughout the game, I felt pretty confident. Just staying connected and poised very poised, that’s what I try to do to keep my teammates calm,” said McGill.

After a lot of back-and-forth, Barker wouldn’t let her squad go down without a fight, hitting a massive triple with 40 seconds left, making the score 61-56, Florida still up.

The Gators left points on the board with free throw troubles, bringing about another Barker bucket. The crucial make pulled Alabama within one point, 62-61. The senior guard totaled 24 points, making 9-of-17 shots from the field.

Shortly after, Laila Reynolds sunk 1-of-2 free throws, allowing the Crimson Tide the chance to win the game. Alabama missed its first 3-point attempt, but Florida fans held their breath when the Tide secured the offensive rebound.

Alabama placed the ball in their leading scorer’s hands, allowing her to take the final shot. After a nice drive into the lane, Barker was met with a swatting Reynolds. The sophomore didn’t let the missed free shots phase her and came up with the game-winning play.

“I wanted to come up for my teammates on the defensive end because I wasn’t hitting the free throws. I know that my team has my back,” said Reynolds.

The Gators prevailed 63-61 after a grueling forty minutes, earning its first ranked win since 2022. This is the second straight year Finley’s squad advanced to the quarterfinals which hasn’t happened since 2014.

Florida is back in action Friday against LSU. This is the second matchup between the two squads this season. The Tigers beat the Gators at home earlier this year, 80-63. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET and can be viewed on SECN.
WBB: Florida Outlasts Auburn in Round One of SEC Tournament

March 6, 2025

Photo by Stew Milne • Getty Images

Florida fought for a 60-50 win against Auburn in the first round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament Wednesday night.

The Gators avenged a 20-point loss to the Tigers earlier this season with increased physicality and clutch playmaking in the final minutes.

The energy began in pregame warmups for Florida and effortlessly continued into the first quarter.

“We are really close-knit on and off the court. That’s nothing new. You just saw it [the team’s energy] more today,” said Ra Shaya Kyle.

After the Tigers began the scoring, the Gators went on a 6-0 run. Florida capitalized with cuts to the basket and effective ball movement.

Four of Florida’s starters scored in the first, with Kyle paving the way on the glass—the senior secured four boards early on, leading to free throws, where she was a perfect 4-for-4.

Kyle was the leading scorer for the Gators with 16 points and 11 boards, tallying her 14th double-double this season.

Florida led after one, 19-16.

The second quarter began with a three-minute scoring drought. Alexia Dizeko ended the dry spell with her first points of the game.

Yuting Deng and DeYona Gaston ran the offense for Auburn, combining for 18 of the Tiger’s 25 first-half points.

Although the duo had solid performances heading into halftime, the buckets didn’t come easy. Florida hosted a block party in the paint, with six rejections from four different players. Entering Wednesday, the Gators only averaged 3.7 stuffs a game.

The block squad led 27-25 at the halfway point.

The second half was filled with momentum swings.

The Tigers tied the game at 36 with 4:06 left in the third, however, Florida closed out the quarter on a 6-0 run, holding Auburn scoreless for the final two minutes.

The Gators led 44-40 heading into the final 10.

Jeriah Warren found success attacking the rim, totaling 14 points on the night, with eight in the final half.

Florida’s offense slowed, allowing Auburn to pull back within two, 50-48 with 2:25 to go.

Both teams struggled to find the bottom of the net in the fourth, shooting under 30% from the field.

Reynolds came in clutch knocking down both of her free throws shortly after, giving the Gators a four-point lead.

The SEC All-Freshman Team award winner iced the game with an and-1 after grabbing an offensive board from her miss. Liv McGill writhed in pain after the score, favoring her left foot/ankle area. Fighting through the pain, the true competitor sunk the free throw giving her teammates what they needed to finish strong.

“That’s exactly who she [McGill] is,” said Florida Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley. “I wouldn’t expect anything less. She sets the tone for us for sure.”

The Gators continue its revenge tour Thursday against Alabama. The Crimson Tide visited Gainesville in early February, coming away with an 84-66 victory after an Aaliyah Nye master class.

Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. and will be streamed on SECN.
BSB: Gators salvage midweek in win vs. FAU

March 5, 2025

Photo via Gainesville Sports Commission

Florida Gators right-handed closer Alex Philpott took the mound in the ninth inning against Florida Atlantic with a 4-2 cushion. The slimmest margin he’d worked with all season, Philpott was in search of three outs to hand the Gators a midweek win following a tough loss to UCF the night before.

He walked a batter to lead off the frame. Philpott didn’t waiver, picking up two strikeouts on his way to the win.

No. 7 Florida (12-2) defeated the Owls (10-2) 4-2 Wednesday night. With the win, the Gators finish its midweek slate at 1-1.

“It was great,” said Barlow. “We’ve been struggling the past couple games, so it was good to go in, put some zeroes up and be able to put my team in a position to win.”

UF wasted no time getting out in front. Junior shortstop Colby Shelton knocked in an RBI double to make it a 1-0 lead after the opening inning.

Gators starting pitcher Billy Barlow had a strong start to his outing. He tossed two 1-2-3 frames to open the game with two backwards Ks to go with it. He’d finish with the win on 5.1 innings pitched, 4 hits, 0 earned runs, 5 strikeouts and 1 walk.

UF extended its lead to 2-0 in the second inning on a sacrifice fly from Hayden Yost which scored Luke Heyman.

Junior outfielder Blake Cyr made his presence known in the bottom fourth. He sent a ball looping over the right outfield wall for a solo-shot home run to give the Gators and Barlow a 3-0 cushion.

Lefty Frank Menendez took over for Barlow in the middle of the top sixth inning with a 3-0 cushion and a runner on second with one out for FAU. He’d let up one run on a sacrifice ground out before closing the frame.

“His command… he was really good,” Florida head coach O’Sullivan said.

Florida put itself in a precarious position in the seventh. A walk from Menendez put a runner on base and he sailed another pitch over Brody Donay’s head to advance him. Then, an error by Nadeau on a play at first allowed a runner to score.

He’d then strikeout three-straight batters to break loose of the jam. After seven, the Gators led 3-2.

Philpott took over for the Gators in the eighth inning. He’d let up a single before punching out three consecutive batters to close the frame.

Donay would add one run of insurance in the eighth on a solo-shot home run before handing the game back to Philpott in the ninth.

The right-hander got the job done and handed the Gators a Wednesday night win.

“We knew coming into this thing it was not gonna be easy,” O’Sullivan said. “But it was a win we needed.”

Florida begins its weekend series against Harvard at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The game will stream on ESPN SEC Network+.

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