Florida Softball One Win Away From National Title, Take Game 1 Against Big Blue 3-2

By  //  June 2, 2015

Game 2 Set For Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ESPN

Gator-Softball-580-3OKLAHOMA CITY – Behind a dominant performance from senior Lauren Haeger at the plate and gutsy efforts from Aleshia Ocasio and Delanie Gourley in the circle, the University of Florida softball team won Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series Championship Series over Michigan, 3-2, on Monday in front of 8,329 people at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.

With tonight’s win, UF (59-6) has extended its postseason win streak to 15 games, which is tied for the longest in NCAA history. In addition, Florida improved to 3-0 this season against the Wolverines (59-7).

In the circle for UF, Head Coach Tim Walton chose to start freshman Ocasio (pictured right, 18-3), who was the first player in the Super Regional era to start Game 1 of championship series without pitching previously in Supers or the World Series.

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University of Florida softball team won Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series Championship Series over Michigan, 3-2. (Tim Casey Image)

The rookie was prepared for the moment as she tossed six innings of two-run softball, while notching three strikeouts.

“Basically everyone contributes to me being mentally prepared,” Ocasio said. ”Myself and (Assistant Coach Jennifer) Rocha talk about it. Me, Lauren (Haeger) and Delanie (Gourley) talk about it. And that’s basically what prepares me.”

The freshman was quite impressive, but Walton said that this was just part of the plan.

“Aleshia has thrown some quality innings in the SEC and we’ve had her matched up against some quality opponent’s preseason. That was the key [to her success tonight].”

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