OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Florida jumped all over Jaclyn Traina early and held on for a 6-3 victory over Alabama as the Gators’ captured their first-ever softball national championship.
Kristi Merritt and Stephanie Tofft each went deep for Florida, with Merritt’s three-run shot the big blow for the Gators in a four-run second inning that chased Traina from the game.
Florida led 5-1 after the second and held on after that, with Alabama only really threatening with a bases loaded situation in the fourth when relief pitcher Delanie Gourley got Kallie Case to ground out to end the inning and end the threat.
Star pitcher Hannah Rogers, who tossed a shutout on Monday night, didn’t get the start for Florida, but she finished off the victory with two solid innings of work.
Kevin Kugler and Leah Amico called the action from ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.
