Florida State University Softball Team Advances to ACC Championship

News Summary

The Florida State University (FSU) softball team marked an impressive milestone by advancing to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship. After defeating Georgia Tech 8-0 in the quarterfinals and clinching a narrow 3-2 victory over Duke in the semifinals, FSU now prepares for the title game on May 10. With strong performances from players and a solid pitching lineup, FSU aims to secure their 20th championship title in their program’s history.

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida State University (FSU) softball team has advanced to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship after securing two impressive victories, defeating Georgia Tech 8-0 in the quarterfinals followed by a narrow 3-2 win over Duke in the semifinals. As the top seed in the ACC, FSU’s postseason journey is shaping up to be significant as they now prepare for the championship game on May 10.

In the quarterfinal match against Georgia Tech, FSU dominated from the outset, shutting out the Yellow Jackets with a decisive 8-0 victory that ended after just five innings due to the run rule. Annabelle Widra took the mound for FSU, effectively silencing Georgia Tech’s batters and contributing to her team’s impressive defensive performance. On the other side, Georgia Tech’s starting pitcher, Kinsey Norton, struggled early, walking two Seminole batters and setting the stage for FSU’s offense.

The scoring began in the third inning when Jahni Kerr connected for a two-run home run, providing FSU with its first lead of the game. Shortly thereafter, Katie Dack hit a solo home run, pushing the score to 3-0 in favor of the Seminoles. In the fifth inning, FSU’s offense continued to surge, with Angelee Bueno scoring a run followed by a bases-clearing three-run triple from Shelby McKenzie. This extended their lead to 7-0 before a final run sealed the game, leading to an early end at 8-0.

In the semifinals, the Seminoles faced a tougher challenge from the Duke Blue Devils but managed to secure a 3-2 comeback win. Duke opened the scoring with an unearned run in the first inning due to a fielding error by FSU. FSU responded with strong pitching, starting with Julia Apsel, who allowed only one unearned run before being relieved by Jazzy Francik. Francik proved to be a game-changer, retiring her first six batters faced and demonstrating significant control against Duke’s lineup.

As the game progressed, FSU’s offense came alive, with Michaela Edenfield hitting a lead-off home run in the sixth inning, which not only tied the game but then gave FSU a 3-1 lead after additional scoring. Duke mounted a late rally in the final inning, scoring one run, but Ashtyn Danley secured the final out of the game, allowing FSU to clinch victory at 3-2.

With these two wins, Florida State improved its overall record to an impressive 46-9. The Seminoles will face either the Clemson Tigers or the Virginia Tech Hokies in the upcoming ACC Championship game set for May 10 at 2:30 p.m. ET, live on ESPN. FSU has a remarkable history in the ACC, having won eight of the last ten championships and will be aiming for their 20th championship title in the program’s history.

The path to the title has been paved with hard work and determination, and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming championship game continues to grow as FSU looks to add another accolade to its storied legacy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Florida State University Sports Update: Track, Basketball, and Football
Florida State University Celebrates Athletic Achievements
FSU University Athletics Shine in Recent Competitions
Annabelle Widra Joins Florida State University Softball Team

Additional Resources

• Tomahawk Nation: FSU Softball Advances
• Wikipedia: Softball
• FSU Wire: FSU Softball Semifinals
• Google Search: Florida State Softball
• 247 Sports: FSU Softball Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletics
• Seminoles.com: FSU Softball Wins

Author: HERE Tallahassee