In a week filled with remarkable performances across different divisions, softball players from various Florida universities showed up and showed out.
The UCF Knights showcased their offensive firepower in a dominant 21-9 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers. In a record-breaking display, the Knights pounded out 25 hits, surpassing their previous program record of 22. The explosive offensive outburst propelled UCF to a resounding six-inning rout, leaving no doubt about their offensive prowess.
Moving on to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), two Florida Gators players garnered significant honors. Sophomore Jocelyn Erickson was named SEC Player of the Week after a stellar week at the plate. Erickson’s hot bat led her to a .667 batting average (8-for-12), accompanied by 13 RBI, three runs scored, three doubles, and a home run. Freshman Keagan Rothrock, on the other hand, earned her first SEC Freshman of the Week award. Rothrock delivered impressive performances in the circle, securing two wins against Jacksonville and Georgia Southern. With a combined 17 strikeouts, only three walks, one run allowed, and five hits surrendered across 12 innings pitched, Rothrock displayed her promising talent.
Shifting our focus to the American Athletic Conference (AAC), pitcher Trinity Schlotterbeck and outfielder Presley Leebrick of the Florida Atlantic softball team stood out and were named AAC Players of the Week. Schlotterbeck, a graduate pitcher, recorded a perfect 3-0 record over the weekend. Her stellar performances led to a remarkable 0.84 ERA across 16.2 innings pitched. Meanwhile, Leebrick made her presence felt at the plate, contributing four runs, seven hits, eight RBI, and a home run in 17 at-bats.
In the Division II Sunshine State Conference, Briana Neal from Saint Leo and Kate DeSimone, representing Tampa, were recognized as Players of the Week. Neal’s impressive offensive display included a .545 batting average, a .583 on-base percentage, and a 1.000 slugging percentage. DeSimone, on the other hand, earned Pitcher of the Week honors for her outstanding three-hit shutout performance against Lynn. Her dominance in the circle, allowing only one walk and two singles while striking out six batters, propelled Tampa to a convincing 6-0 victory.
In the NAIA Sun Conference, Ashly Altman and Kaedyn Sutton, both from Ave Maria, earned Player of the Week honors. Altman showcased her offensive prowess, reaching base consistently throughout the week, scoring four runs, and driving in four RBI. Sutton, on the other hand, shined in the circle, leading Ave Maria to three wins. She pitched 20 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run, displaying exceptional control with just one walk issued.
Finally, in the NJCAA, Christina Mason of NWF and Tori Beland of Seminole State were recognized as Region 8 DI Players of the Week. Mason’s remarkable offensive performance included an impressive 16 hits in 19 at-bats, highlighted by five doubles, four home runs, and 19 RBI in six games.
These outstanding performances from Florida’s collegiate softball players highlight the depth of talent and the exciting level of competition in the state.
