The third-ranked Florida Gators don’t get time to bask in the glory of their fireworks show on the West Coast, where they scored 53 runs in four games, before taking the SEC schedule head-on.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Gators (16-2), who travel to Athens today to face fourth-ranked Georgia (18-1), a Women’s College World Series participant last season. This Wednesday doubleheader (first game 3 p.m.) figures to set the tone for the rest of the SEC season for both teams.
Now that the SEC season starts, it’s a completely different ballgame for the Gators. The stakes will be even higher considering the brutal matchup the Gators face to start off the slate. It’s definitely not an easy way for Florida’s freshmen to break into SEC play.
“I think I’m more nervous than anything,” freshman Brittany Schutte said. “From what I’ve heard, Georgia is a really tough team and it’s always a big rivalry between them. It’s going to be the first away game. I’m excited but pretty nervous just to see what it’s all going to be about.”
With the rivalry already fierce, the Gators have to expect to run into the revenge factor as well against the Bulldogs. In last year’s doubleheader, Florida destroyed Georgia by scores of 15-0 and 4-0. Stacey Nelson and Stephanie Brombacher each tossed one-hitters against the Bulldogs, as the bats backed them up with a pair of home runs in each game.
Of course, history goes out the window in a rivalry game, especially when taking to the road.
“The SEC, of course, is tough all the way around, no matter where we go,” junior Megan Bush said. “We know that Georgia is a different kind of competitor. They’re going to be a battle for us. As long as we go out there and play our game, we can compete with anybody around the SEC.”
This year’s matchup could feature a pitcher’s duel between Brombacher (12-2, 1.66 ERA) and Georgia ace Erin Arevalo (11-1, 0.53 ERA), both of whom carry a majority of the load for their teams. Arevalo has already been named the SEC Pitcher of the Week twice this season and figures to give the Gators a tough test early in the season. Sarah McCloud (4-0, 0.90 ERA) should also make an appearance for the Bulldogs.
Georgia’s lineup also features the quality depth that few teams have to compete with Florida. Both teams have power up and down the lineups, as each already has seen nine players leave the yard this season, led by Ashley Razey’s eight. Georgia currently has seven players batting over .340, led by Kristyn Sandberg (.474, 5 HR, 19 RBI), Taylor Schlopy (.457, 4 HR, 16 RBI) and Brianna Hesson (.442, 6 HR, 21 RBI).
It would not be surprising to see the game turn into a shootout. The teams are both far-and-away the top two teams in the conference in most offensive categories. Georgia leads the SEC in batting average at .358, with Florida right behind at .347. Florida leads in homers with 40, Georgia has 38, with the next closest team only hitting 24. Georgia is slightly ahead in RBI with 140 to Florida’s 132. LSU with 103 is the only other team with more than 100.
But the Gators have been down this road before. They know what to expect from Georgia, and even if they aren’t able to duplicate last year’s statement sweep, it will surely serve as a good barometer for where they stand at the outset of the SEC season.
“It will just show us where we’re at right now and where we need to be in the future,” Bush said. “It will show us that we need to keep working hard and not let down against anybody.”
The Gators will certainly not let down as they have proven time and again. It’s also a guarantee that the emotions will be flying high and the Gators will leave everything on the field. It’s the stuff rivalries are made of.
“They’re always super-competitive,” junior Kelsey Bruder said. “It’s going to be a great game. The intensity level when you play them is crazy. It’s a big rivalry. Going there is going to be tough.”
It’s certainly a tough task that one has to experience before they know what she is truly getting into. As Schutte and the other young Gators will find out on Wednesday, this matchup is truly going to be a trial-by-fire approach to getting acclimated to SEC play. Luckily, these freshmen have some talented teammates who have had a little success in that area before. That success has come with a little advice to help them prepare for the challenge.
“Just have to pitch-by-pitch fight through the whole inning because every SEC team out there is tough,” Schutte said. “It’s going to be a battle for the whole game. It’s not going to be anything easy at all.”
The Gators would not have it any other way. To be the best, you have to beat the best, and this is certainly going to be one of the tougher tests they face this season.
Francesca Enea Named SEC Player of the Week
Senior Francesca Enea was received the award after continuing her monstrous start to the season. In California, Enea hit .463 with four home runs, including three grand slams, to go along with 14 RBI. She now has four slams this season and nine in her career. Enea is currently riding a 12-game hitting streak, third-longest in Florida history. Her mark of 51 career home runs sits second all-time in the SEC.
Enea is batting .462 (fifth in the SEC) with 10 home runs (first) and 34 RBI (first) this season. She also leads the SEC in slugging at 1.115.