Ratliff's grand slam lifts softball to SEC title

BATON ROUGE, La. — The top-ranked Florida softball team won its first Southeastern Conference Tournament title on Saturday, beating No. 3 Alabama 4-1.

Twice in the game, there was a sense of déjà vu in the air as senior Mary Ratliff came up to bat with two outs and the bases loaded. In the sixth inning déjà vu proved true as Ratliff did what she did in Tuscaloosa earlier in the season and hit a grand slam to put the Gators (62-2) in the lead, 4-1.

“I knew the ball was going out when I hit it,” Ratliff said. “I just get put in these opportunities because of how good my teammates are. All weekend teams had been walking the batters in front of me to get to me. Today I was able to come through for my team. That is what I am proudest of.

"At some point you just have to look yourself in the eye and step up. I hadn’t done that all weekend, but am glad I was able to today.”

The inning started with junior Ali Gardiner hitting a triple to right center with one out. Freshmen Megan Bush and Tiffany DeFelice each drew full-count, two-out walks to load the bases. Then Ratliff stepped up to the plate. With a 2-2 count, Ratliff lifted the ball deep over the fence in right field for her second grand slam of the season and her ninth home run of the year. Those four runs put the Gators ahead to stay.

“I am very proud of the tournament championship for our program and for our players,” head coach Tim Walton said. “Our team has shown a lot of character and determination all season.”

Florida junior hurler Stacey Nelson earned tournament most valuable player honors for her performance the last two days. Nelson threw a complete game, allowing Alabama (51-6) only four base runners on three hits and one hit batter.