The Florida State softball team is off to a fast start. The battle tested Noles (18-4) took down Jacksonville 7-1 and are currently ranked No. 10 in the nation.

The Noles jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the fourth inning and never looked back. 

Sophomore pitcher Jazzy Francik got the start, giving up three hits in three innings with no runs scored. FSU pitcher/outfielder Ashtyn Daley (4-1) only gave up one run in relief, while also registering a hit and a run. The All-ACC player and former Gatorade Player of the Year from Tennessee is having another stellar year, with 24 hits to go along with her team-leading four wins on the mound. 

Florida State had 10 hits as a team and had solid performances from shortstop Isa Torres, who had three hits and two RBI. Second baseman Marin Heller had two hits, two runs and an RBI, while OF Bella Ruggiero had two hits, two runs, and an RBI, and OF Makenna Sturgis added two hits and an RBI. Makenna Reid closed the game out for the Noles, giving up two hits, no runs and striking out four in the final two innings. 

The Garnet and Gold have already faced five top-10 teams this season, winning one of those games beating No. 7 UCLA 11-7 on Valentine's Day.

The Noles start a three-game road trip against Coastal Carolina on March 6. The Chanticleers (12-9) are coming off of an 11-6 win against Bowling Green. Coastal Carolina has 26 home runs this year as a team, compared to 18 for FSU. 

Florida State starts ACC play against Syracuse on March 13. The unranked Orange (11-6) are  led by senior infielder Jadyn Burney, who is batting .440 with 22 hits and 14 runs. Senior utility Madison Knight has five homers and 13 RBI, which lead Syracuse in both categories. The Noles will play all three games in Tallahassee. 

The Noles were 46-9 last season, winning the ACC regular-season title before losing in the Super Regionals to Texas Tech.

Florida State is one of the few teams in the Power 4 that did not bring in any players from the transfer portal. The Noles instead brought in nine true freshmen and had the No. 3 recruiting class in the country this year. The Noles are currently eighth in the ACC,  and have every reason to feel optimistic about what they can do this year.

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