Ella Harrison blanks No. 4 Gators to even the series

Ella Harrison blanks No. 4 Gators to even the seriesElla Harrison blanks No. 4 Gators to even the series
Box Score

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Junior Ella Harrison shut down the high-powered Gator offense and handed No. 4 Florida its first shutout loss at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium since 2024 as Auburn softball evened the series with a 4-0 victory Saturday.

Going the distance, Harrison (11-9) allowed eight hits but stranded every runner. She issued no walks and struck out seven to earn the win. It marked Harrison’s third victory over a ranked opponent this season. The Tigers (24-20, 3-14 SEC) scored all four runs on just two swings: a two-run home run from junior Ma’Nia Womack and a two-run single from freshman Ava Ratliff.

“The most important thing is that our players have been rewarded for keeping their heads down and pushing through,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “It’s been an uphill battle, so I’m really happy for our team to experience today. It’s something we needed. We needed to know that it was still possible. I’m proud of this team for continuing to fight.”

For the second time in the series, Auburn struck first. After a scoreless opening frame, Womack delivered the first hit for either side with a two-run home run in the second inning to give the Tigers the lead.

Florida (42-6, 15-5 SEC) threatened in the bottom of the inning with a double, single and stolen base to put two runners in scoring position with no outs. Harrison and the Tiger defense responded with three quick outs to keep the Gators off the board.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the sixth, Ratliff delivered much-needed insurance with a single to shallow right field, plating two runs and extending Auburn’s lead to 4-0.

Florida had opportunities with runners in scoring position and fewer than two outs in both the fourth and fifth innings, but Harrison shut down each threat. The Gators attempted a late rally with a pair of singles in the seventh, but back-to-back flyouts ended the game. Florida finished 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

“That’s what Ella is capable of,” Malveaux added. “She’s had some ups and downs this season, but she put the team on her back and went for it. It was a big-time win for her. She shut down one of the best offenses in the country.”

Auburn finished with five hits. Womack was the lone Tiger with a multi-hit performance, going 2-for-3.

GAME NOTES

  • Auburn’s win marked Florida’s first shutout loss since a 3-0 defeat to Texas at the Women’s College World Series on May 29, 2025. It also marked the first time Florida has been shut out in Gainesville since Feb. 19, 2024 (vs. Oklahoma State).
  • Chris and Kate Malveaux improved to 9-34 all-time against ranked opponents. It marked their first win over a top-five opponent.
  • Ma’Nia Womack hit her team-leading 11th home run of the season, bringing her career total to 13. It was her team-best 10th multi-RBI game of the season (12 career).
  • Womack added a single in the sixth, finishing 2-for-3 for her seventh multi-hit game of the season (eighth career).
  • Ava Ratliff drove in two runs with her sixth-inning single for her fifth multi-RBI game of the season.
  • Ella Harrison improved to 11-9 on the season and 23-27 in her career. She tossed her 11th complete game of the season (29 career) and recorded her second shutout of the year (sixth career).

UP NEXT
Sunday’s series finale is set for 12 p.m. CT and will air on SEC Network+. Fans can listen locally on WEGL 91.1 FM or stream the broadcast on the Auburn Tigers website and mobile app.

BACK AT HOME
Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field for the final time this regular season April 24–26 to host Ole Miss in a three-game series. Friday’s series opener is set for 6 p.m. CT and will feature a player trading card giveaway while supplies last. Saturday’s contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT. Auburn’s graduating student-athletes will participate in a pregame on-field graduation ceremony. Sunday is Senior Day as the Tigers will honor McKaela Walker and Destiny Rodriguez in a pregame ceremony. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. CT.