Florida softball fulfills Tim Walton's desire to mash in win over Florida A&M
TL;DR
Florida softball defeated Florida A&M 12-0 in five innings, fulfilling coach Tim Walton's wish to 'mash the ball.' This victory marks Florida's largest win and highest run total since April 11.
Key points
- Florida softball won 12-0 against Florida A&M
- The game ended in five innings due to the run rule
- Tim Walton wanted the team to 'mash the ball'
- This was Florida's largest win since April 11
- The Gators scored the most runs since a previous game against South Carolina
Mentioned in this story
For one inning, it appeared Florida softball’s late season SEC issues reared its ugly head.
The Gators loaded the bases and scored a run, but Cassidy McLellan flew out to end the inning to leave three runners on base.
That was the end of that, though.
In the next four innings, UF followed through on coach Tim Walton’s desire to “mash the ball,” and rolled to a 12-0 run-rule win over Florida A&M in five innings at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium to open the NCAA Gainesville Regional.
It’s Florida’s biggest win and most runs scored since the 15-2 thrashing of South Carolina on April 11.
Taylor Shumaker and Jocelyn Erickson served as the engine of the offense. Erickson generated three doubles, and Shumaker had five RBIs — including a three run shot in the fifth. That gave the Orange and Blue 100 home runs for the season for the fifth time in program history and third season in a row.
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) reacts after a single and RBI hit against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) waits for the hit while Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) looks on during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers catcher Amya Ramos (14) makes a one-handed throw to Florida A&M Rattlers utility Amari Brown (25) while Florida Gators outfielder Cassidy McLellan (22) attempts to steal a base during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Gabi Comia (10) bunts the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) makes a catch for an out at first base against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers utility Makayla Register (20) makes a catch for an out at first base while Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) runs during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Gabi Comia (10) makes a catch for an out against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Brittany Beall makes a call against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) throws the ball against the Florida Gators during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kenleigh Cahalan (31) hits the ball for an RBI against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Jamison Townsend (3) makes a catch for an out against the Florida Gators during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA and SEC logos on a Florida Gators jersey before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) gestures after hitting a double against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA Softball Tournament signage before the game between the Florida Gators and Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) waits for the pitch against the Florida Gators during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kendall Grover (12) waits for the pitch against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kenleigh Cahalan (31) looks on after hitting the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Ava Brown (00) hits the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) hits the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Team logos are displayed on the plaza before the game between the Florida Gators and Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) uses a fan in the dugout against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Caroline Stanton (1) smiles while being introduced before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers utility Amari Brown (25) waits for the pitch against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) and Florida Gators infielder Kalie Matsuno (4) huddle with teammates before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Brittany Beall discusses a call with the umpire against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) runs to home plate against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Aniya Canty (21) makes a catch at third base for an out against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers pitcher Sariah Espada (13) pitches the ball to Florida Gators outfielder Cassidy McLellan (22) during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Ava Brown (00) celebrates after a two-run double against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers players line with Florida Gators players for the National Anthem before the game at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Gabi Comia (10) touches the base before Florida A&M Rattlers utility Makayla Register (20) makes a catch during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Keagan Rothrock (7) pitches the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Katelynn Oxley (39), Florida Gators pitcher Allison Sparkman (16) and Florida Gators pitcher Leah Stevens (32) look on before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kenleigh Cahalan (31) gestures while waiting for the pitch against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA logo on the Florida A&M Rattlers jersey before the game against the Florida Gators at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) slides into home plate for a run while Florida A&M Rattlers catcher Keeleigh Spooner (23) watches during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA Softball Tournament signage before the game between the Florida Gators and Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) hits the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Aniya Canty (21) gestures against the Florida Gators during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers pitcher Sariah Espada (13) pitches the ball to Florida Gators pitcher Ava Brown (00) during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers utility Makayla Register (20) waits for the pitch against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) reacts after a single and RBI hit against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) reacts after a single and RBI hit against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) waits for the hit while Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) looks on during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers catcher Amya Ramos (14) makes a one-handed throw to Florida A&M Rattlers utility Amari Brown (25) while Florida Gators outfielder Cassidy McLellan (22) attempts to steal a base during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Gabi Comia (10) bunts the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) makes a catch for an out at first base against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers utility Makayla Register (20) makes a catch for an out at first base while Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) runs during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Gabi Comia (10) makes a catch for an out against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Brittany Beall makes a call against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) throws the ball against the Florida Gators during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kenleigh Cahalan (31) hits the ball for an RBI against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Jamison Townsend (3) makes a catch for an out against the Florida Gators during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA and SEC logos on a Florida Gators jersey before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) gestures after hitting a double against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA Softball Tournament signage before the game between the Florida Gators and Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) waits for the pitch against the Florida Gators during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kendall Grover (12) waits for the pitch against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball fulfills Tim Walton's desire to mash in win over Florida A&M
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kenleigh Cahalan (31) looks on after hitting the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Ava Brown (00) hits the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) hits the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Team logos are displayed on the plaza before the game between the Florida Gators and Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers outfielder Neriah Lee (9) uses a fan in the dugout against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Caroline Stanton (1) smiles while being introduced before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers utility Amari Brown (25) waits for the pitch against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) and Florida Gators infielder Kalie Matsuno (4) huddle with teammates before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Brittany Beall discusses a call with the umpire against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) runs to home plate against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Aniya Canty (21) makes a catch at third base for an out against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers pitcher Sariah Espada (13) pitches the ball to Florida Gators outfielder Cassidy McLellan (22) during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Ava Brown (00) celebrates after a two-run double against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers players line with Florida Gators players for the National Anthem before the game at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Gabi Comia (10) touches the base before Florida A&M Rattlers utility Makayla Register (20) makes a catch during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball fulfills Tim Walton's desire to mash in win over Florida A&M
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Keagan Rothrock (7) pitches the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Katelynn Oxley (39), Florida Gators pitcher Allison Sparkman (16) and Florida Gators pitcher Leah Stevens (32) look on before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Kenleigh Cahalan (31) gestures while waiting for the pitch against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA logo on the Florida A&M Rattlers jersey before the game against the Florida Gators at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) slides into home plate for a run while Florida A&M Rattlers catcher Keeleigh Spooner (23) watches during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of the NCAA Softball Tournament signage before the game between the Florida Gators and Florida A&M Rattlers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators infielder Madison Walker (24) hits the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Aniya Canty (21) gestures against the Florida Gators during the first inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers pitcher Sariah Espada (13) pitches the ball to Florida Gators pitcher Ava Brown (00) during the third inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Florida softball takes on FAMU in Gainesville Regional. See the photos!
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers utility Makayla Register (20) waits for the pitch against the Florida Gators during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
“It always feels nice to have your lineup coming together,” Shumaker said. “We’ve always had a really cohesive lineup, and the ability to build off each other was something we really stressed.”
The Gators followed through on that practice preaching as well, especially from its No. 9-3 hitters. In the three-hole, Ava Brown had three hits and Gabi Comia — the No. 9 hitter — helped set up Shumaker and Erickson with two hits.
Erickson said Comia’s ability to turn over the lineup with her hitting and speed is essential to UF’s success. Shumaker called her the “little spark plug.”
“Even if she isn’t having one of her best days, she’s always bringing the energy and trying to fire us up,” Shumaker said. “Seeing her ability to find ways to get on base and score runs have been really special.”
In the circle, Walton trusted Keagan Rothrock for the first three innings. Then Katelynn Oxley and Leah Stevens did what the coach asked of them and delivered “just one good inning.”
“The main thing for us to make sure Keagan is Keagan, Red is Red and Leah is Leah and go out there and pitch,” Walton said. “Don’t worry about I shouldn’t, I can’t. Go out there and do it, and I thought they did a good job.”
May 15, 2026; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Keagan Rothrock (7) pitches the ball against the Florida A&M Rattlers during the second inning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Now, the Gators will face Georgia Tech for the third time in 2026. The Yellow Jackets kept both games close with 5-1 and 8-5 defeats and have momentum following the 2-1 upset of Texas State in Game 2 of the Gainesville Regional.
Pitcher Madelyn Johnson, who went head-to-head with Bobcat ace Maddy Azua and limited them to three hits, said that the “Ramblin’ Wreck” have become much better “fighters” since the losses to the Gators.
“We’ve molded really well together and had a lot of tough discussions, and I think that’s made us super confident in what we have, and we’ve gotten very close,” she said.
GT played a tough non-conference and ACC schedule, and Morales said she’s viewing each game this weekend as a Game 3.
“I’ve seen our team, over the course of the season, get better and better, so I’m excited about that,” Morales said. “I know it’s going to be a tough challenge, and the Gators are going to give us everything they have.”
Erickson said no matter the opponent, UF will be well prepared and that alone puts the squad in a good position to win.
“Just focus on the Gators and make sure we’re in the best position to win,” she said.
First pitch is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, with TV to be determined.
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida softball run-rules Florida A&M to open NCAA Gainesville Regional
Q&A
What was the final score of the Florida softball game against Florida A&M?
The final score was 12-0 in favor of Florida softball.
How many innings did the Florida softball team play against Florida A&M?
The game was completed in five innings.
What did coach Tim Walton emphasize for the Florida softball team in this game?
Coach Tim Walton emphasized the desire to 'mash the ball' during the game.
When was Florida's last game with a higher run total before this victory?
Florida's last game with a higher run total was a 15-2 win against South Carolina on April 11.
