The Kentucky softball team will open Southeastern Conference play against the University of Florida on March 6-7, 2004. The Cats will meet the 21st-ranked Gators for the 27th time in school history in the three-game series at the Florida Softball Field in Gainesville, Fla.

UK is coming off a four-game winning streak after taking the title at the Kentucky Spring Invitational last weekend. The Cats defeated Youngstown State, Ball State and Northern Iowa twice en route to the tourney crown, while giving up only three runs and nine hits through the four games. UK has three players hitting over .300 this season, led by sophomore Amy Kendall, who is hitting at a .400 clip through 14 games.

UK (11-3-1) will face the Gators (17-2) to open conference play for the third straight year. The Cats are 4-22 all-time vs. UF, with their last win over the Gators coming on a 7-6 decision on March 16, 2002, in Gainesville. Series play will begin on Saturday with games at 1 and 3 p.m., and the third and final game between the two teams is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.