No. 7 Florida State leaned on its freshman class to complete a doubleheader sweep of Marshall on Saturday at JoAnne Graf Field, beating the Thundering Herd 6-2 in the opener and 10-2 in six innings in Game 2.
The Seminoles improved to 4-0 on the season as first-year players made key contributions on both sides of the ball, showcasing the depth of coach Lonni Alameda’s newest roster.
“We’re taking the information from the game and applying it and making the adjustments, and that’s what softball is, making the adjustments and being able to stay in it,” Alameda said.
“I’m just proud to see them talking that and coming together in game four, and it’s the early part of the season. To see that maturity is pretty awesome.”
In Game 1, FSU’s defense set the tone early. With the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning, freshman second baseman Marin Heller made a highlight-reel catch on a sinking line drive to end the threat and keep Marshall off the scoreboard.
“I should’ve caught it the first time, but thankfully it popped up and stayed in the air long enough for me to grab it again,” Heller said.
Heller also contributed offensively, finishing with two hits that helped spark the Seminoles’ attack. Freshman Makenna Sturgis put FSU in control with a three-run home run, giving the Seminoles a 3-0 lead.
In the circle, Sophomore Jazzy Francik struck out eight batters before turning the game over to freshman Bella Demitrijevic, who made her first collegiate appearance as a closer.
Demitrijevic worked out of a bases-loaded jam with a strikeout and later allowed a two-run home run, but sealed the victory to earn Francik her second win of the season.
Strong pitching, timely bats seal sweep at JoAnne Graf Field
FSU continued its freshman showcase in Game 2. Hayley Griggs set the tone with a two-run homer deep to centerfield in the second inning.
Marshall Gaskell made her first career start, pitching two innings and allowing one run on two hits while striking out three.
As for the veterans, Isa Torres led the Seminoles with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, driving in three runs. Heller added two more RBIs on a two-hit night.
Shelby McKenzie, coming off a walk-off grand slam on Friday, delivered another late highlight with a walk-off RBI single to end the game in the sixth inning via the run rule. Alameda has been pleased with the improvements she made at the plate after last season.
“I think she grew a lot after last year in a lot of moments, and towards the end of the year, she really started to lock down her process to it,” Alameda said about McKenzie.
Ashtyn Danley relieved Gaskell and handled multiple roles throughout the night, pitching 2 1/3 innings while also playing the outfield and contributing at the plate. Danley struck out three, allowed three hits — including a solo home run in the fifth — and issued two walks. Makenna Reid closed out the game to secure Danley’s second win of the season.
FSU returns to JoAnne Graf Field on Sunday at 9 a.m. to host UConn.
How to watch FSU softball vs. UConn
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State softball freshmen lead Seminoles to doubleheader sweep
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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