Florida softball bounced back from a tough start, as Oregon State got on the scoreboard first in their opening game of the Women’s College World Series. The Gators were then caught stealing on a play that was reviewed for possible obstruction.

However, the bats came alive thanks to Avery Goelz, who reached on an error in the second inning, and knocked in Cheyenne Lindsey to tie the game. The Gators got consistent hitting on offense, and a dominant performance from the Florida pitchers to win, 7-1, on Thursday.

In the fourth inning, Goelz collected 2 RBIs, as the Beavers committed another error. Third baseman Charla Echols then launched a line drive home run to center field in the 5th inning to pad the lead. The Gators overall scored 3 runs in the 5th inning, as Goelz tacked on another RBI.

Goelz overall went 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs, while Lindsey was 3-for-3, with 3 runs scored. In the circle for the Gators, Lexie Delbrey and Natalie Lugo, who came on in relief for 6 innings, combined to pitch 7 innings and allow 1 run on 5 hits, with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. Oregon State’s 4 errors proved to be especially costly.

Oklahoma City has become a near annual trip for the Gators, as they have 11 trips to the WCWS in the last 15 seasons. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for the Gators, who won their first 16 games and 23 of the first 24, but then at one point sat at 11-11 in SEC play.