OKLAHOMA CITY – Coach Tim Walton noted all season defense and pitching served as Florida softball’s keys to winning.

The Gators' explosive offense would do enough. They just needed the other facets to do their part.

Thursday at the Women’s College World Series , the pitching staff accomplished its mission as Keagan Rothrock and Co. held a lethal Texas offense to three runs. The defense did the same, with only one, non-costly error.

What about that eruptive offense? Just three runners left on base, two hits and no runs in a 3-0 defeat to the Longhorns in the WCWS opener in Oklahoma City.

It’s the Gators ' first time losing their WCWS opener since 2019. Walton has only done it four in his 12 prior appearances, and none of those times did UF ultimately make the semifinals.

For Flor

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