The No. 23 Florida Softball team (32-17, 8-9 SEC) fell to Southeastern Conference foe Arkansas (17-33, 4-12 SEC), 1-0, at the Florida Softball Stadium Saturday. Sophomore Stacey Nelson (Los Alamitos, Calif.) had another strong pitching performance, allowing just three hits while striking out four. Nelson’s pitching wasn’t enough to lead the Gators to victory, as Arkansas starting pitcher Katy Henry quieted Florida’s bats.

Arkansas broke the scoreless tie in the top of the sixth inning. Nelson gave up a walk to Teighynne Hulsey, who was pinch hitting for Hillary Freeman. Freeman then came in to pinch run for Hulsey. With one out, Jessica Bachkora hit a slow grounder back to Nelson, allowing Freeman to move to second. With two outs and the count 1-2, Arkansas catcher Whitney Cloer singled to center field to bring Freeman home, giving the Lady Backs the lone run of the game.

Florida started off the sixth strong with a quick single from sophomore Kristina Hilberth (Dunedin, Fla.). Arkansas turned a double play off a line drive from sophomore Kim Waleszonia (Fontana, Calif.) to slow the Gator rally attempt. The next batter, senior Lauren Roussell (Cerritos, Calif.) hit her ninth double of the year to keep the Gators hopes alive. Freshman Francesca Enea (Woodland Hills, Calif.), the designated player, flied out to right field to end the Gator threat.

Enea singled through the right side in the first inning for Florida’s only other hit of the game.

Florida hits the road next weekend as they travel to Alabama to face Auburn. Games begin at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.