Gators get thumped by Alabama in SEC Softball Tourney semis, 9-1
The Florida Gators softball team was one win away from playing for the SEC Tournament championship. But standing in UF’s way was Alabama, the No. 4 team in the Softball America Rankings.
And it was the Crimson Tide that took care of business in Friday’s semifinal matchup.
Alabama finished with 13 hits and starting pitcher Vic Moten allowed just one run as the Tide routed UF 9-1 in five innings in Lexington, Ky.
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Third-seeded Florida falls to 48-10 and will now begin preparing for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Second-seeded Alabama improved to 48-6.
For the Gators, there weren’t many highlights. Starting pitcher Leah Stevens (5-2) struggled, allowing five earned runs in 2.2 innings. Meanwhile, UF’s bats were cold. The Gators had just three hits and were 0 for 4 with the bases loaded.
Gators Online provided game updates below. Meanwhile, join the discussion at Swamp Talk.
Gators-Tide: 5th inning recap
05/08/2026 05:36:40 PMT5: With a walk and hits Nos. 2 and 3 in the game, UF again loaded the bases. But Florida once again came up empty as Bama starter Vic Moten recorded consecutive outs to maintain a five-run lead. The Gators are 0-for-4 with the bases loaded. SCORE: Alabama 6, UF 1
B5: With three runs in the bottom half of the inning, the Tide has run ruled UF. Alabama finished with 13 hits. FINAL: Alabama 9, UF 1
Gators-Tide: 4th inning recap
05/08/2026 05:21:50 PMT4: Tide starter Vic Moten just tossed her first one-two-three inning of the game. The Gators have just one hit so far. SCORE: Alabama 6, UF 1
B4: UF reliever Katelynn Oxley entered the game with runners at second and third with one down, and she promptly delivered back-to-back outs to end the frame. SCORE: Alabama 6, UF 1
Gators-Tide: 3rd inning recap
05/08/2026 05:03:31 PMT3: The Gators plated their first run on a ground ball out to short by first baseman Madison Walker. Two batters earlier, left fielder Townsen Thomas doubled to left center for UF’s first base hit. SCORE: Alabama 4, UF 1
B3: The Tide has added to the lead with two more runs on three hits and a Gators error. In the process, Alabama chased UF starter Leah Stevens from the game. Alabama 6, UF 1
Gators-Tide: 2nd inning recap
05/08/2026 04:33:29 PMT2: The Gators loaded the bases with one out on three walks, but Tide starter Vic Moten responded by striking out UF star Taylor Shumaker, then got Jocelyn Erickson, another .400 hitter, to fly out. SCORE: UF 0, Alabama 0
B2: The Tide plated four runs on three hits to take control early. Two walks and a hit by pitch contributed to Bama’s big inning. Tide third baseman Ambrey Taylor opened the frame with a homer to deep left. SCORE: Alabama 4, UF 0
Gators-Tide: 1st inning recap
05/08/2026 04:13:56 PMT1: Alabama starter Vic Moten walked the first two batters she faced and after a passed ball UF had second and third with no outs. Moten responded by striking out three straight to end the threat. SCORE: UF 0, Alabama 0
BB1: After a single, a walk and an error, Bama had the bases loaded with two outs. UF starter Leah Stevens responded with back-to-back strikeouts. SCORE: UF 0, Alabama 0