The top seeds in the Tallahassee Regional will battle in the finals after all.
Host Florida State and second-seeded UCF took different paths. The Seminoles lost their opener to Stetson in massive upset fashion before righting the ship with victories over Jacksonville State and the Hatters. The Knights sped through the winner’s bracket, beating the Gamecocks and Stetson without suffering a defeat.
As a result, UCF needs to win only one game on May 17 to advance to Super Regionals. Florida State has to claim two.
First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for noon. If a second contest is necessary, it is slated for 2:30 p.m.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal is providing live updates throughout the afternoon. Follow along below.
Stream UCF vs. FSU live on ESPN+
FSU remains hitless against UCF’s Isa Vega
Isabella Vega induced three infield popups and kept the Seminoles off the basepaths again in the second inning. UCF and Florida State head to the third tied 0-0; both pitchers have retired all six hitters faced.
UCF goes down in order again in 2nd
Jazzy Francik picked up a pair of strikeouts in a 1-2-3 second inning against UCF’s lineup. The Seminoles and Knights are tied 0-0 in Tallahassee.
Isabella Vega strikes out 1 in perfect inning
Isabella Vega answered with a perfect first inning of her own, striking out Ashtyn Danley on a check-swing riseball to keep the game scoreless.
Izzy Mertes will lead off the second for UCF.
UCF retired in order in 1st at-bat vs. FSU
UCF’s hitters put three balls in play against Florida State pitcher Jazzy Francik, but were retired in order to open the game.
Aubrey Evans lined out to center, Kendall Yarnell popped out to short and Beth Damon grounded out to first. Isabella Vega will get her first crack at FSU’s lineup.
Florida State announces starters for Game 1
Florida State needs to win twice today to capture its home regional. Here is the Seminoles’ starting lineup with Jazzy Francik due to pitch.
Isabella Vega set to start for UCF against Florida State
UCF will send its ace into the circle looking to close out the Tallahassee Regional. All-Big 12 right-hander Isabella Vega draws the start after pitching three innings of relief in the Knights’ previous two games.
Here’s how the rest of the Knights line up:
UCF vs FSU time today
What channel is UCF vs FSU game on today?
The Knights’ matchup with the Seminoles will air live on ESPN+.
UCF softball scouting report
Florida State softball scouting report
UCF vs Florida State softball history
Tallahassee Regional bracket, schedule
Double elimination from Friday-Sunday (May 15-17) at JoAnne Graf Field at Seminole Softball Complex:
Friday’s games
Saturday’s games
Sunday’s games
* If necessary
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: UCF vs FSU score updates, highlights, how to watch NCAA softball tournament game
Reporting by Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
