Celebrate the Champions! Gear up, Gator fans! Show your pride for the Florida Gators with the exclusive “2024 SEC Softball Conference Tournament Champions Base Stealer” T-Shirt!
Whether you’re cheering from the stands or watching from home, this shirt is the perfect way to celebrate our incredible victory!
Limited edition and selling fast – don’t miss out! Get yours today and be a part of Gators history!
Let’s go, Gators!
#GoGators #SECChampions #FloridaGators #Softball #Champions #BaseStealer #GatorPride #LimitedEdition
Order Now!
OHS Kistler and Goddard Lead UF Softball to SEC Title
Posted: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 12:10 PM
Courtesy of UFloridaAthletics
AUBURN, Ala. – The Florida Gators softball team clinched their sixth Southeastern Conference Tournament Championship with a commanding 6-1 victory over the No. 5-seed Missouri Tigers on Saturday, May 11, at Jane B. Moore Field, Auburn University. This victory ties them with the University of Alabama for the most titles in the SEC.
Key players include senior outfielder Katie Kistler and senior infielder Baylee Goddard, both graduates of Oakleaf High School in Orange Park. Under the guidance of coach Christina Thompson, they were Class 8A champions. Kistler has been a consistent performer for the Gators, boasting batting averages of .354, .258, and .298 over the past three seasons, along with 34 career steals. Goddard, despite being plagued by injuries, made significant contributions in her first two seasons.
Another notable figure is Kaitlyn “KK” Leddy, a former Fleming Island High standout and current program assistant for the Gators. Leddy’s accolades include being named Female Athlete of the Year and Summit League Pitcher of the Year during her time at North Dakota State University.
In the championship game, the Gators (46-12) showcased their power, with five of their six runs coming from home runs. Freshman pitcher Keagan Rothrock (26-6) delivered a stellar complete-game performance, allowing only six hits and two walks while striking out six.
The Gators took an early lead in the bottom of the second inning, starting with Reagan Walsh reaching on an infield error. Mia Williams then hit a three-run home run, her second of the tournament. Missouri attempted a comeback in the third inning, but a spectacular catch by junior Kendra Falby and solid pitching from Rothrock kept them at bay. The Gators extended their lead to 4-0 in the third inning, with Skylar Wallace driving in a run after an Otis triple.
With this victory, the Florida Gators continue to assert their dominance in the SEC, showcasing the talent and determination of their players and staff.