Lauren Haeger had seen trouble in first innings before in this Women's College World Series. LSU had threatened. So had Auburn. Michigan had, too, on Monday night.
But this time, Haeger — with the help of relatively spotty defense behind her — let up a run, as Michigan turned a liner to Kirsti Merritt into the first first-inning run the Gators have given up all postseason.
For the first time all NCAA Tournament, Florida trailed at the end of the first inning.
And for the first time all NCAA Tournament, Florida trailed at the end of the game.