The Florida softball team took its first step toward returning to the Women's College World Series for the second consecutive season with a 9-0 victory over Lehigh in the NCAA Gainesville Regional. Florida was  3-0 through the weekend in regional play.

Florida will play California in the Super Regionals for the second consecutive year. California defeated Oklahoma State, 2-1, in the Tallahassee Regional to advance.

Gator senior catcher and Dunedin native, Kristina Hilberth, helped get things started for Florida, when the Gators broke a scoreless tie in the fourth with two runs. Hilberth started things off with a double to left center. Ali Gardiner grounded to second to move Hilberth to third. Junior Francesca Enea doubled to center to bring Hilberth in and score UF’s first run. Sophomore Kelsey Bruder followed with a single to right to score Enea from second.

Florida (58-3) broke the SEC single-season home run record when junior Corrie Brooks hit UF’s 80th of the season.

Senior pitcher Stacey Nelson earned her 19th shutout of the season, while only allowing three hits. Nelson (37-3) did not allow a walk for the 12th games this season, second in a row.