Texas Tech Crushes Florida 16-7 as Tim Walton Ejection Fuels Backlash
Updated
Updated · Hail Florida Hail · May 24
Texas Tech Crushes Florida 16-7 as Tim Walton Ejection Fuels Backlash
3 articles · Updated · Hail Florida Hail · May 24
A 16-7 run-rule loss sent Florida out of the super regional and into a social-media firestorm after coach Tim Walton was ejected during the fifth inning of Game 3.
The flashpoint came after Texas Tech second baseman Mia Williams — a Florida transfer — was hit by pitch again, the fifth time that happened over the weekend, as tempers escalated on both sides.
Walton drew criticism not only for his outburst but for failing to calm Florida as the game unraveled, with fans calling the scene embarrassing despite the Gators' 52-12 season.
Postgame tensions deepened the backlash when Florida players refused to shake hands with Texas Tech, which advanced to the Women's College World Series.
Does this chaotic Super Regional signal a larger sportsmanship crisis in college softball?
Will Florida's decorated coach face consequences for his ejection and his team's handshake snub?
Was a former player being hit five times a deliberate act of retaliation by her old team?