Head Coach Kim Dean's Post-Game Comments On The Season Opener Vs. No. 6 Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - No. 6-ranked Florida used a five-run fourth inning to pick up an 8-3 win over visiting Georgia Southern on Friday evening in the Eagles' 2021 season opener.

In the first action for the Eagles (0-1) since March 11, 2020, a span of 345 days, Georgia Southern took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Sophomore Bailee Wilson led off with a single to left. Fifth-year Shayla Smith laid down a sacrifice bunt in front of the plate, and as Wilson sprinted towards third base, an overthrow allowed her to score.

Sophomore Aaliyah Garcia (0-1) limited the Gators to two hits and no runs through three innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth inning. Hannah Adams laced a two-out, two-run single to give Florida (4-0) a 2- 1lead, then Charla Echols followed with a three-run home run to make the score 5-1 after four innings.

Florida tacked on three runs in the sixth on a two-run triple by Baylee Goddard and a sacrifice fly by Jaimie Hoover.

Georgia Southern rallied in the top of the seventh for a pair of runs, getting a sacrifice fly by Smith and, after loading the bases, a wild pitch brought home Wilson with the second run of the inning for the 8-3 final score.

Natalie Lugo (1-0) hurled the complete-game five-hitter to notch the win for Florida. She gave up three runs, two earned, and walked one while striking out seven. Garcia took the loss for the Eagles, giving up seven hits and five runs in 3 2/3 innings of work, walking three while striking out one.

Wilson's two hits and two runs led the Eagles offensively on the night.

Georgia Southern continues action in the UF Bubly Invitational on Saturday, taking on Charlotte at 10 a.m. and No. 6 Florida again at 1 p.m.