Florida softball regional prediction: Who has edge in 2024 NCAA Gainesville Regional?

Florida softball will return to Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium this weekend for the first time in two weeks, fresh off an SEC Tournament title.

Accompanying them will be the NCAA Regionals, which head to Gainesville for the 18th time in program history.

The Gators (46-12) will be joined by in-state foes Florida Gulf Coast (37-19), Florida Atlantic (41-14) and South Alabama (32-18-1).

Here are some things to know before first pitch Friday, and a prediction for who advances out of the Gainesville regional.

Can Florida softball's offense stay hot?

Over the past two weeks, the Gators offense has catapulted into the stratosphere.

Led by back-to-back SEC Players of the Year Skylar Wallace and Jocelyn Erickson, the orange and blue are averaging almost nine runs per game.

Wallace homered in every game of the SEC Tournament and holds an eight game hit streak and a seven game RBI streak. Erickson, meanwhile, has nine RBIs in her last five games.

Florida also got a key contribution from Mia Williams. Despite a .180 average, the freshman blasted two three-run homers in Auburn in the semifinal and final.

What does Keegan Rothrock have for an encore?

While Florida's offense has excelled most of the season, its pitching has been a bit more suspect.

In its last six, UF has allowed just over three runs per game. Keegan Rothrock has been on the mound for five of those starts and has shined.

She's allowed more than two earned runs just once in those five starts, despite coach Tim Walton riding her hard. Rothrock's gone the distance in four of those starts.

What to know about the other three teams at the Gainesville Regional?

Florida Gulf Coast

The Eagles got hot at the right time, winning the ASUN Tournament with back-to-back wins over North Florida.

They were seeded fourth in the conference tournament, and the step up in competition likely won't faze them.

FGCU faced three ranked teams during the season and actually beat Florida State at home 3-1 on March 8.

It lost, though, to Florida at home 9-0 in five innings on March 20.

Catcher Neely Peterson was named ASUN Tournament MVP.

Florida Atlantic

The Owls recorded an historic season in 2024, one that saw them finish 41-14 and win a share of the American.

Although they were bounced in their first game of the conference tournament by Wichita State, FAU earned an at-large bid.

Among squads hosting regionals, they lost twice to Arkansas this season. UF did not play the Owls in 2024, but the Gators hold an 8-5 all-time record.

FAU features five first-team All-AAC players and AAC Rookie of the Year Kiley Channel.

South Alabama

The Jaguars are no stranger to the Gainesville Regional. They traveled to KSP in 2021 for regionals, where UF promptly defeated them.

This season, though, the Jags (32-18-1) have clawed at some SEC opponents. They beat South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi State, all on the road.

In the circle, USA features first team All-Sun Belt Olivia Lackie, who has 23 wins and a 1.42 ERA.

Prediction for NCAA Gainesville Regional

Florida.

The Gators are hot when it matters most, and with a few days off after the SEC Tournament, should be well-rested to handle the competition.

South Alabama could pose some challenges due to its ability to beat SEC teams away from Mobile, but the Gators still hold the clear talent advantage.

As long as Florida's bats don't freeze up or Rothrock suddenly struggles in the circle, the Orange and Blue should sweep this regional on its way to a potential trip to Oklahoma City.

Noah Ram covers Gainesville-area high school sports and University of Florida athletics for The Gainesville Sun. Contact him at Nram@gannett.com and follow him @Noah_ram1 on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida softball scouting report, prediction in NCAA Gainesville Regional