Kelsey Bruder selected the University of Florida sight unseen from the West Coast, while Corrie Brooks grew up a fan of the Gators and was raised a hop, skip and a jump from their campus. The pair exemplifies how team chemistry has played a pivotal role in UF's success this season. The top-ranked Gators (60-3) open the Women's College World Series Thursday against No. 9 seed Arizona (46-15) in Oklahoma City. UF arrived with a bucket of school records, a nation-best 25-game winning streak and the lousy memory of last year's 1-0, nine-inning semifinal defeat to Texas A&M.
"I think last year everybody was kind of overwhelmed since it was our first time here," Brooks told FanHouse Tuesday night.
"It was like, 'OK, this is what it really feels like to be out here. We've watched these games on television and you kind of get the jitters playing in front of the big crowds.' But now we know what to expect and what's going to happen, and there won't be as much pressure. We know what we have to do."
Of course, that's easier said than done in late May. Series games are played in 7,300-seat ASA Hall of Fame Stadium and in front of ESPN cameras. The season has featured potent offenses and spirited debates about teams spread across the country seeking their first national championship.
UF's in that mix.
The Gators must continue to rely on established strengths -- pitching, patience at the plate and sound defense -- if they want to win the first national title for their softball program and conference. The series certainly has a SEC-Pac-10 flavor to it. The SEC is represented by UF, Georgia and Alabama, while the tradition-heavy Pac-10 is represented by Arizona, Arizona State and Washington. Missouri and Michigan round out the field.
"I like last year a little bit better because we were the underdog, we came out of nowhere to get to the series," Bruder told FanHouse Tuesday night.
"It has been a little more difficult this year because everyone expected us to win and the focus has been on us. That being said, though, we know what to expect and we know our way around after last year. You also know there's going to be eight great teams here, too."
UF-Arizona could be the opening round's most intriguing game.
The Wildcats are returning to the WCWS for the 21st time in the last 22 years on the strength of one of the most potent offenses in the nation. Arizona leads the country with a .344 batting average -- the program's best mark since 1998 -- and also paces Division-I with 8.18 runs per game, 2.2 home runs per game and a .642 slugging percentage.
Junior catcher Stacie Chambers is the Wildcats' big gun, ripping 31 home runs -- the second-most in Division-I history -- and knocking in 96 RBI.
The Gators will counter with senior pitcher Stacey Nelson, the SEC Pitcher of the Year and one of three finalists for national player of the year honors. Nelson was presented the 2009 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Tuesday night in Oklahoma City. Nominees must excel in four areas - character, community, classroom and competition.
On the field, Nelson leads the nation with a 0.41 ERA and is paired with Stephanie Brombracher (0.77 ERA) to form the stingiest pitching staff in the nation. Nelson, a hard-throwing right-hander, is the first Florida pitcher to post a thousand career strikeouts and holds 19 single-season and career pitching records, including single-season shutouts with 20 this year. Her 134 career wins is seventh-best all-time in the NCAA and second best in SEC history.
UF can also swing the sticks and mix in a little leather. The Gators are third nationally with a .337 batting average and their .978 fielding average is second to Georgia (.980).
Brooks and Bruder help represent the team chemistry that solidifies the team. Brooks, who was raised in Christmas, Fla. -- yes, that Christmas, located in the Orlando-Kissimmee area -- committed to UF as a sophomore in high school. Bruder, one of eight Californians on UF's roster, followed the cross-country lead of fellow Golden State recruits, including Nelson, who had visited UF.
"I landed in Jacksonville and all I saw were a bunch of trees and a few houses on the drive to Gainesville, and I thought I was going to a farm or something," Bruder laughed. "But it has been the best experience. On and off the field, we are all best friends and we all support each other and pull for each other. I think this team has been clutch in every situation this year."
Bruder and Brooks are converted stars - both arrived on campus as pitchers and first basemen. Bruder, a sophomore, starts in right field and is one of the team's top hitters at .388. Brooks, a junior, was moved to third base following an injury to a teammate. She is hitting .316 and leads the team with four grand slams.
"I don't know where those have come from," Brooks laughed.
UF's lone defeats this year were a pair of 1-0 games to Baylor (season's third game) and Washington in February and a 6-4 verdict to SEC rival Alabama to end March. Alabama, which plays Michigan, and UF will meet in the second-round on Friday if both win their openers. Washington's Danielle Lawrie, named the national player of the year Tuesday night, two-hit the Gators in their game played in California.
UF, coached by Tim Walton, has been very good this season. But the Gators now have the chance to be special.
"I think one of the biggest things has been our drive and work ethic, and that started in fall workouts and has carried over into the season," Brooks said. "We knew we had a good team coming back. Everyone has pulled together and we know what we need to do to be successful."
