Following a highly emotional three-game series on the field and in the stands, everyone anticipated how Florida softball and Texas Tech would interact during their postgame handshakes on Sunday, May 24.
It never happened.
The Gators and Red Raiders did not join in the postgame handshake line, which is common practice at the conclusion of an NCAA Softball postseason series. TTU beat UF 16-7 in five innings to win the Gainesville Super Regional and advance to the Women’s College World Series.
Texas Tech stayed on the field in celebration, gathering around home plate for the handshakes. Florida, on the other hand, decided to stay in the dugout and eventually return to the dressing room.
After the game, Gator coach Tim Walton stated that he had no idea what had happened. Walton had been ejected earlier in the inning for disputing balls and strikes and was already in the locker room.
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However, after being told about what transpired, the coach stated that he agreed with the decision because of the series’ stress.
Perhaps it was preferable to avoid the stress of the series,” Walton reasoned. “On TV, they were saying there might be a bench-clearing brawl. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. “
When asked about the same subject, Red Raider coach Gerry Glasco stopped for a few seconds, attempted to articulate his thoughts, and then said, “I’m proud of my team. “
