No. 3 Florida Gators Chomp Down on Houston Softball in Five-Inning Shutout
Houston, TX – March 5, 2025 – The No. 3 Florida Gators extended their dominance with a commanding 11-0 victory over the Houston Cougars in a five-inning run-rule win at Cougar Softball Stadium. This marks Florida’s 17th run-rule victory of the season and their seventh consecutive such win.
Offensive Onslaught
Freshman sensation Taylor Shumaker set the tone early, launching a solo home run in the first inning—the first of her career-high six RBIs on the night. Shumaker went 3-for-4 at the plate, adding a two-RBI single, a three-run double, and a stolen base to her impressive performance. Her 12th home run of the season ties her for the national lead.
Senior Reagan Walsh and junior Mia Williams joined the home run parade in the third inning, each hitting solo shots to center field. Walsh’s homer was her fifth in the last four games, earning her SEC Co-Player of the Week honors. Williams’ blast marked her seventh of the season.
Shumaker’s bases-loaded double in the fourth inning cleared the bases, pushing the Gators’ lead to 9-0. Kenleigh Cahalan capped the scoring with a two-run homer in the fifth, bringing the game to its run-rule conclusion.
Dominant Pitching
In the circle, senior Kara Hammock (5-0) and freshman Katelynn Oxley combined to shut out the Cougars, allowing just one hit. Hammock pitched four innings, striking out two and inducing eight groundouts with her signature drop ball. Oxley closed out the game with a perfect fifth inning.
Team Highlights
Florida has now won 11 consecutive games and boasts a 24-1 record.
The Gators have hit 48 home runs this season, with 12 different players contributing to the tally.
Senior Kendra Falby extended her on-base streak to 25 games and leads the team with 12 multi-hit games.
Florida head coach Tim Walton secured his 1,004th career victory with this win, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career.
The Gators now turn their attention to Southeastern Conference play, opening a three-game series at No. 5 Texas A&M in College Station starting on March 7.
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