The Florida softball team was eliminated from the SEC Tournament and finished the 2002 season with a 7-1 loss to Auburn today in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Two walks and an error put the Gators in trouble with one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the first inning. Sharp defense came back to save Florida and prevent an Auburn run from Scoring. The Gators threw the lead runner out at home for the second out and Mandy Schuerman caught a high pop fly in the infield to end the inning.

The Gator defense carried over to their offense in the top of the second as the Gators tallied three hits, but they were not able to bring a run home.

Auburn took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second on two this and a Gator error. With two outs, Shannon Anderson laid down a bunt down the third base line. Gator thirdbaseman Mandy Schuerman fielded the ball cleanly, but overthrew first. The ball rolled deep into right field foul territory and allowed Anderson to score. The next batter, Ashley Moore, ripped a homer over the centerfield fence for the 2-0 lead.

Auburn added another run in the bottom of the third as Sara Dean scored on a RBI bloop single just into right field by Deni Zeigler. The run gave the Tigers a 3-0 lead.

Auburn took a 6-0 run as Kasey Angulo hit a base clearing triple down the right field line with the bases loaded.

Florida scored its first run of the game in the top of the sixth inning. Jessie Franklin led off the inning with a walk but was out as Jackie Marchetta was safe on a fielder's choice at second base. With two outs, Jenilee Garner hit a double to left center to score Marchetta. Mylin Prieto continued the Gator rally with a hard base hit to the third baseman that advanced Garner safely to third.

After a fielder's choice and two straight base hits, the Tigers increased their lead to six runs once again. Anderson scored on a Kelly Sutton base hit for the 7-1 lead. Anderson's run was her third of the game and tied the SEC Tournament record for most runs scored by an individual in a single game.

Florida finishes the season with a 32-35 record.