Florida Softball Makes History: Dramatic Walk-Off Sends Gators to Women’s College World Series—Key Moments & What’s Next

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida softball’s march toward a 10th Women’s College World Series berth comes down to one final showdown. After splitting the first two games of the NCAA Gainesville Super Regional with rival Georgia, the No. 3 national seed Gators will play a decisive Game 3 today at 4 p.m. ET inside Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium and on ESPN. How We Got Here • Game 1: Florida flexed its power on Friday, riding junior ace Keagan Rothrock’s 10-strikeout gem and a three-run blast from Skylar Wallace to a 6-1 victory. • Game 2: Georgia answered Saturday behind senior left-hander Lilli Backes, who scattered five hits and held UF to a lone run in a 2-1 Bulldogs win, forcing the rubber match. What’s at Stake The winner punches the program’s ticket to Oklahoma City, while the loser sees its season end two victories shy of the WCWS. Florida head coach Tim Walton is chasing his 12th WCWS appearance overall and first since 2023; Georgia seeks its first trip since 2022. Key Matchups to Watch • Circle Chess Match: Walton could turn back to Rothrock (22-4, 1.77 ERA) on two days’ rest, while Georgia coach Tony Baldwin may stick with Backes (18-7, 1.94 ERA) after her 122-pitch outing or roll the dice with freshman Madison Kerpics. • Leadoff Spark: Florida’s Kendra Falby (.411, 43 SB) sets the table against a Bulldog defense that committed three errors in Game 1. • Long-Ball Threats: Georgia’s Sydney Kuma (18 HR) and Florida’s Wallace (17 HR) rank top-10 nationally; whichever slugger connects could swing momentum. X-Factors • Home Crowd: UF is 31-3 at KSP Stadium this season, averaging 2,850 fans per game—the largest home attendance in program history. • Speed Game: The Gators lead the nation with 152 stolen bases; Georgia’s catch-and-throw tandem of catcher Ellie Armistead (42% CS) and second baseman Jayda Kearney must be sharp. • Weather Watch: A 40% chance of late-afternoon thunderstorms could compress bullpens and favor whichever starter settles in first. Quote Board “Pressure is a privilege,” Wallace said after Game 2. “We’ve been preparing for this moment since August, and our energy in this ballpark gives us an edge.” Backes countered: “We believe we can beat anyone when we play Georgia softball. One more game—that’s all we asked for.” How to Watch & Stream • TV: ESPN • Streaming: ESPN App, FuboTV, Sling, DirecTV Stream (free trials available) • Radio: ESPN Gainesville 98.1 FM Up Next Tonight’s victor advances to face the winner of the Columbia Super Regional in the WCWS opener on May 30. SEO Keywords: Florida softball, Gainesville Super Regional, NCAA softball tournament 2025, Gators vs. Georgia, Women’s College World Series berth, Game 3 showdown, Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.