The SEC continues to take its toll on UK Softball as it suffered yet another series loss to a conference opponent when Florida took the series 6-3 on Sunday after a six-run fourth inning.

One game remains between the two, as Florida will host the third of three games on Monday.

The loss was the fourth SEC series loss for UK, which dropped to a disappointing 4-10 in the conference. The Cats have also lost four of their last six games.

A three-run home run by Lauren Haeger capped off the six-run fourth inning that snagged a two-run lead away from UK. The Cats jumped out early in the third inning behind a two-run home run, but failed to hold a hot-hitting Florida team. UK’s Meagan Prince took the loss for the Cats, dropping her record to 11-5. Prince pitched three innings with eight hits, six runs and just three strikeouts.

Florida’s Aleshia Ocasio earned the win for the Gators after she went a full six innings, giving up three hits and three runs.

A solo home run in the sixth inning was all UK could muster after the Gators pulled ahead. Delanie Gourley replaced Ocasio in the seventh inning and threw two strikeouts to finish off the Cats.

UK’s Kelsey Nunley continues to be the Cat’s workhorse. She has pitched in 26 of UK’s games with a 1.85 earned run average. But her 11-8 record is a drop-off from last season’s dominant performance.

With remaining games against South Carolina, Louisville and Tennessee looming, UK is in danger of falling off the pace with the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament quickly approaching.

Florida will look to run the table against a reeling UK team on Monday at 7:00 p.m. in Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

 STAFF REPORT