A ninth-inning walk-off home run stunned the No. 9 Seminoles in Tallahassee, ending a dominant championship season and snapping UCF’s winless postseason streak against the ACC powerhouse.
No. 9 Florida State softball was upset by UCF 4-2 in the second of two games played in the Tallahassee Regional at JoAnne Graf Field.
The Noles (52-10) won the first game played against UCF (41-17-1 ) earlier in the day 2-1 in an epic pitchers duel forcing a second game in the double-elimination format. The winner of the second game would advance to the NCAA Super Regionals in Los Angeles.
FSU Grossly Underachieved
The early exit is a huge blow to a Florida State program that won the ACC regular season title and the ACC Tournament. The Noles were one of the most proven and battle-tested teams going into the NCAA Regionals and were led by real star power in Isa Torres, Jazzy Francik, Jaysoni Beachum, and others. At one point this year FSU was on a 25-game win streak dominating teams as they went through the conference schedule. The Garnet and Gold only lost one series in conference play, and were one of the most dominant and consistent teams at the plate, on the mound, and in the field.
The Noles led the ACC with eight players named to the All-ACC team including the ACC player of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, ACC Pitcher of the Year, and multiple players being named All-Region and All-Tournament. Oh, and Lonni Alameda was the ACC Coach of the Year.
Game 1
The Noles won game one 2-1 with home runs from Anna Hinde and Hayley Griggs. Jazzy Francik went 6.1 innings allowing one earned run and just two hits. Star utility player/pitcher Ashtyn Danley finished the game to earn the save.
Game 2
UCF started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when All-ACC performer Ashtyn Danley gave up a two-run home run putting the Knights up 2-0 after one inning.
Anna Hinde hit an RBI single in the third inning bringing home Jaysoni Beachum from second base cutting the Knights' lead to 2-1.
Isa Torres singled in the fourth inning and brought home Kennedy Harp from second base tying the game 2-2.
Izzy Mertes hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Knights the lead and the eventual final score, 4-2 UCF wins.
Florida State went 4-12 with runners on base and left nine players on base in total. UCF was previously winless against FSU in the NCAA Tournament.
National Player of the Year candidate Isa Torres went 1-for-4 with an RBI.
All ACC third baseman Jaysoni Beachum went 2-for-2 and has successfully reached base in 46 consecutive games.
On a Brighter Note
Of all the players from FSU who were selected All-ACC, none were seniors, and FSU is one of only two schools (Virginia) without a transfer portal player on its roster. The Noles should be considered one of the top teams heading into next season, if they can retain their star players in this NIL transfer portal era.Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
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