No. 6 Florida Softball Stays Hot at USF-Rawlings Invitational

Gators remain undefeated with wins over Bethune-Cookman and Michigan

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The sixth-ranked Florida Gators softball team continued its strong start to the 2026 season, defeating Bethune-Cookman 8-0 in six innings on Saturday evening at the USF-Rawlings Invitational in Tampa. Earlier in the day, the Gators also topped Michigan 5-1. Florida is now 3-0 on the young season.

Why it matters

The Gators are one of the top softball programs in the country and their early-season success at the USF-Rawlings Invitational suggests they could be poised for another deep postseason run. The team is led by several veteran players and is looking to build on last year's strong campaign.

The details

Against Bethune-Cookman, the Gators outhit the Wildcats 14-2, with Kenleigh Cahalan leading the way with three hits and an RBI. Jocelyn Erickson hit a two-run home run in the first inning, her first of the season. Freshman Kalie Matsuno also recorded her first collegiate hit and RBI with a fifth-inning single. Ava Brown started and earned the win for Florida, throwing two innings and striking out one batter.

  • The game against Bethune-Cookman took place on Saturday evening at the USF-Rawlings Invitational in Tampa.
  • Earlier on Saturday, the Gators defeated Michigan 5-1.

The players

Kenleigh Cahalan

A key player for the Gators, Cahalan led the team with three hits and one RBI against Bethune-Cookman.

Jocelyn Erickson

The Gators' senior catcher hit a two-run home run in the first inning, her first of the season.

Kalie Matsuno

A freshman for the Gators, Matsuno recorded her first collegiate hit and RBI with a fifth-inning single.

Ava Brown

The Gators' starting pitcher, Brown threw two innings, only 19 pitches, and had one strikeout to earn the win.

Jasmine Mañebo

The Bethune-Cookman designated player recorded one of the Wildcats' two hits, a double in the fifth inning.

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What they’re saying

“We're really clicking as a team right now and it's great to see our hard work paying off on the field.”

— Kenleigh Cahalan, Florida Gators Player (wruf.com)

What’s next

The Gators will play their final two games of the USF-Rawlings Invitational on Sunday, facing Kansas at noon and host USF at 2:35 p.m.

The takeaway

The sixth-ranked Florida Gators have started the 2026 season on a strong note, remaining undefeated through the opening weekend of the USF-Rawlings Invitational. With contributions from veteran players and promising young talent, the Gators look primed to make another deep postseason run this year.