Facing a ranked squad on the road for the first time in 2026, one inning killed Florida softball.
The Gators allowed four runs in the fifth inning to fall 6-2 to Arkansas in game one of their three-game SEC series at Bogle Park in Fayetteville.
Keagan Rothrock ran into trouble from the start but escaped until the third inning. The Hogs tallied two on a two RBI single from Tianna Bell.
Florida itself was hitless until the fifth inning. Ella Wesolowski’s double helped put a run on the board, but the trio of pitchers (Rothrock, Olivia Miller and Alison Sparkman) gave up five hits and two walks as the Razorbacks scored four.
A run in the sixth inning helped, but Madison Walker grounded into a double play to end any comeback chance for the Gators.
It’s UF’s first road loss this season and second in SEC play. First pitch Saturday as Florida looks to set up a rubber match Sunday is set for 8 p.m. from the Natural State.
Florida softball vs Arkansas Game 2 live updates
This section will be updated.
Florida softball vs Arkansas Game 2 starting lineups
This section will be updated.
Florida softball vs Arkansas start times
Game 1: Friday, March 27, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m.
Game 3: Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m.
How to watch Florida softball vs Arkansas
Games 1 will be on ESPN2. Games 2 and 3 can be streamed on SEC Network +.
Stream Florida softball games
Florida softball vs Arkansas Game 1 live updates
Kenleigh Cahalan drives run in for Florida | T6
Two walks and a single from Cahalan drive in a run, but Madison Walker grounds into a double play. Gators don’t add any more runs.
Arkansas blows game open | B5
Florida getting into three ball counts and putting runners on base finally kills it. Rothrock got pulled in favor of Olivia Miller with the bases loaded and one out. Miller got an out with a sac fly, but after a walk, Walton brought in Allison Sparkman. She allowed three hits and three runs.
Florida softball gets one run back | T5
Gators finally get a hit, and then a double from Ella Wesolowski puts runners on second and third. Pinch hitter Giulia Desiderio walks to load the bases, and Towsen Thomas reaches on an error to score Madison Walker from third. Taylor Shumaker grounds out to end the inning.
Arkansas takes lead on Florida softball | B3
Two walks and a single prove costly for Keagan Rothrock — who loads the bases with two outs — and Tianna Bell makes the Gators pay with a two RBI single. In the circle, UF is hitless vs Arkansas ace Robyn Herron.
Florida softball vs Arkansas Game 1 starting lineups
Starting pitcher is Keagan Rothrock.
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida softball vs Arkansas Game 2 live updates for top 10 SEC series
Reporting by Noah Ram, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
