STANFORD, Calif. – In a back-and-forth opening game of the 2023 NCAA Stanford Regional of the NCAA Championships, LMU could not hold a late lead as Florida scored twice in the ninth to come from behind and win, 3-2.
 
Jenna Perez started the game perfect through two innings before allowing the first Florida baserunner in the third inning. Conversely, LMU had baserunners in each of the first three innings but could not bring home the runners.
 
The Gators had their biggest threat on Perez in the fourth inning as the first two runners reached base. Following a sac bunt and a fielder's choice a ground ball to shortstop warranted an instant replay from the umpire crew. Morgan DeBord made a play on the ball and after fielding her position, swiped backwards in an attempted tag on the Florida baserunner that would have ended the inning prior to a run scoring. The umpire crew called the play safe on the field and confirmed on the replay challenge to give the Gators a 1-0 lead.
 
The deficit did not last long for the Lions as Gabby Villa hit a leadoff home run to tie the game in the top of the fifth. The Lions then took their first lead of the regional later in the inning as Izzy Jamgotchian singled to left field, bringing home Sydney Poole for the go-ahead run.
 
Perez pitched a complete game but allowed a leadoff home run in the seventh which tied the game. After getting the first out of the frame, the Gators singled three consecutive times to bring the winning run home and walk off with an opening win.
 
The Lions will face the loser of the second game of the regional between the hosts Stanford and Long Beach State. Game time is scheduled for 4:30 PM on Saturday.
 
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