ATHENS - Since 2011, Gainesville softball has recorded a win through a season's first three games just seven times. The teams of 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2018 started 1-2, a record indicative of how their seasons continued, while Big Red's 2014 squad started 2-1 as part of a seven-game, season-opening win streak. That 2014 team finished with the best record for a Gainesville softball team since 1996.

Under second-year head coach Brad Prestridge,Red Elephant softball has not only put together back-to-back seasons with wins through three games, but upped the ante winning two-out-of-three games in 2024 and thanks to a 17-1 (3 inn.) win at Cedar Shoals Monday, starting 2025 undefeated.

Monday marked the second-straight run-rule win for a Gainesville team off to its best start since 1996, when the program last played in the state finals in Columbus.

Senior Finley O'Callaghan was at her best for Big Red going 2-for-3 from the plate with a double, triple, two RBI, and three runs scored.

O'Callaghan's effort was part of a team-wide offensive output that included nine hits in 18 at bats, nine RBI, and nine stolen bases.

Sophomores Judea Hawks and Je'nae Garrett each had a hit and two RBI. Nashya Barnett and freshmen Brianna Mejia had two stolen bases each.

Junior pitcher Maya Silva picked up another complete-gane win striking out four of the nine batters she faced while only giving up one hit.

The Red Elephants return to action Tuesday at Tallulah Falls, a team they beat in walk-off fashion 21-20 in the season's opener.