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Florida softball bounces back to take Game 2 of Super Regional, forcing winner-take-all game against Virginia Tech
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida softball bounced back Saturday to even the Blacksburg Super Regional 1-1, defeating host Virginia Tech 7-2. The No. 14 seed Gators and No. 3 seed Hokies will play a decisive Game 3 on Sunday for a spot in the Women’s College World Series.
After being shut out in Game 1, which ended Saturday after being postponed due to weather in the top of the 5th inning, the Florida bats woke up for Game 2. The Gators logged 10 hits, with half of those coming in the final 2 innings when UF put up 6 of its 7 runs.
Florida took a 1-0 in the bottom of the 3rd inning when Kendra Falby crossed the plate, taking advantage of an error. A bases-loaded walk tied it in the top of the 4th inning. Virginia Tech went up 2-1 in the top of the 5th on an RBI double from Morgan Overaitis.
The Gators answered with 4 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning. Charla Echols doubled to center, plating Skylar Wallace and Hannah Adams.
B5 | Florida responds with back-to-back doubles from Wallace & Echols to retake the lead‼️ #GoGators
— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) May 28, 2022
A fielder’s choice to second brought home Christina Wellen, extending the lead to 4-2. Sarah Longley came home on a bunt, making it 5-2.
UF added a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. Wallace doubled to center, bringing Falby home to score her second run. Falby recorded the team’s 130th steal, a new single-season school record.
B6 | Falby steals second base and that breaks the Florida program single-season record of 129 that was set in 2007‼️ pic.twitter.com/0MWuxUuAEP
— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) May 28, 2022
A Walsh single down the left-field line plated Wallace, making it 7-2.
On the mound, Lexie Delbrey got the start and picked up the win, allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits over 4.1 innings. Natalie Lugo tossed the final 2.2 innings, giving up just 1 hit and issuing no walks while striking out 3 batters. Virginia Tech starter Emma Lemley was the losing pitcher. The Hokies used 2 relievers, who tossed 1 inning apiece.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
