The No. 3/4 Florida softball team opened its 11-game home stand Wednesday evening with a 6-1 win over Iowa (18-9) at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Florida improved its overall record to 32-2 on the season thanks to a five run second inning and a strong performance by starting Freshman RHP Stephanie Brombacher (Pembroke Pines, Fla.).

Sophomore Corrie Brooks (Christmas, Fla.) led the Gators with three RBI and two runs, going 1-for-3 with a triple. Junior Kim Waleszonia (Fontana, Calif.) and freshmen Aja Paculba (Wildomar, Calif.) aided the Gators’ scoring attack as well by knocking in one run each. Junior Kristina Hilberth (Dunedin, Fla.) was the only Gator to get multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Brombacher worked a solid five innings in the circle allowing just one run on six hits. The pitcher’s record improved to 12-0 on the season thanks in part to a concrete defense behind her which committed no errors. Fellow freshmen hurlers Kelsey Bruder (Corona, Calif.) and Kristen Adkins (McKinney, Texas) threw scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh respectively, preserving the win.

Florida’s offense exploded in the bottom of the second. The Gators loaded the bases with no outs thanks to two walks by freshmen Tiffany DeFelice (Coral Springs, Fla.) and senior Mary Ratliff (Mt. Sterling, Ky) and a line drive single by sophomore Francesca Enea (Woodland Hills, Calif.). After two quick outs, Brooks arrived at the plate swinging and connected with a two-out bases clearing triple to right field putting the Gators up 3-0. Waleszonia continued the two out rally with a triple of her own, knocking in Brooks and putting the Orange and Blue up 4-0. Amanda Zust came in to replace Iowa starter Brittany Weil in the circle. Zust walked Paculba, the first batter she faced. Paculba got caught attempting to steal second on a double steal, allowing Waleszonia to steal home making the score 5-0 Florida.

The Gators did not score again until Paculba gave UF an insurance run in the fourth by connecting with a two-out RBI single to right field, knocking in Brooks to give Florida a 6-0 lead.

Brombacher started the top of the fifth by serving up a solo shot on a 1-0 count to Katie Brown to introduce Iowa to the scoring column. The home run allowed was the sixth allowed by the Gator pitching staff this season.

Florida continues its 11-game home stand on Saturday and Sunday with a three-game series against Longwood. Saturday’s double header begins at noon. Kids can take part in a pre-game egg hunt at 11:30 a.m. It is also Dollar Day at the Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Hot dogs and select concession items will be only one dollar. Sunday’s single game is set for 11 a.m.