Skylar Wallace shares Florida's mentality after winning NCAA tournament opener: 'Just get after it, play Gator softball' 

Florida summarily dispatched Florida Gulf Coast, 6-0, in the opener of the Gainesville Regional of the NCAA softball tournament on Friday afternoon. And leading the way once against was star senior shortstop Skylar Wallace.

Wallace delivered what ultimately turned out to be the game winning RBI when she knocked in two runs with a double in the bottom of the third inning to open the scoring. Speaking with the SEC Network broadcast after the game, Wallace reflected on Florida’s strong postseason mentality after winning the SEC Tournament last weekend.

“It’s nothing different,” Wallace said. “I think we’re just staying true to who we are and true to what we do. We’re not changing things up, we’re not going to — obviously it’s big moments, it’s postseason, but we’re not going to make the moment bigger than it is and just stick to our approaches in the box, stick to our plans on the field and just get after it, play Gator softball.” 

Wallace, who is something of an elder on the team, has led not only with her play — she’s been red hot in the batters box and a stalwart defender — but by example for a team full of youth. And she’s happy to be an example for the freshmen navigating the NCAA tournament for the first time.

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s funny because you know, they get a little nervous, they’ll say things in the locker room. And it’s just like, ‘Ah, I remember those days. Years ago, everyone says,'” Wallace said, chuckling. “But it’s just really cool that I get to be a part of their first time, this is something they’ll always look back and remember, their first regional, their first time playing in a big tournament and how all the little things happen. And I’m grateful to be a part of that and I’m really excited to see where they go.”

Wallace finished Friday’s game going 2-for-3 with the pair of RBI and a run scored, too boot. Her streak of four consecutive games with a home run did end, but she shared that she’s been feeling great in the batter’s box after a paltry April.

“I’m just having a good time,” Wallace said. “I’m really just embracing the last few moments I have wearing this awesome Gator uniform and playing with this team, this team is special. We’ve been working hard since August. So for that to kind of pay off, I’m just happy to be here, be a leader of this team and get things going.”