Florida State softball opens NCAA tournament play Friday with familiar expectations — and a roster that looks anything but typical.
The ninth-seeded Seminoles (49-8, 21-3 ACC) begin their 12th consecutive Tallahassee Regional at noon at JoAnne Graf Field against Stetson, with UCF and Jacksonville State meeting in the second game. From there, the path to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City resets, as it does for all 64 teams entering the postseason.
For FSU, the central question isn’t whether it can advance out of its home regional — it’s how far a young, talent-rich roster can go beyond it.
Coach Lonni Alameda has blended experience with an infusion of youth, highlighted by nine freshmen expected to make their NCAA tournament debuts. The lineup is anchored by leadoff standout Isa Torres, one of 10 finalists for USA Softball National Player of the Year, whose consistency at the top has fueled the Seminoles’ offense all season.
Alameda also built depth across the roster, particularly in the circle. Sophomore right-hander Jazzy Francik leads a versatile pitching staff that has given FSU multiple options in different situations.
The Seminoles enter the tournament riding the momentum of an ACC regular-season and tournament sweep, compiling 49 wins and reasserting themselves as a national contender.
As the No. 9 national seed, FSU is positioned for a deep run — but its postseason ceiling will depend on how quickly its young core adjusts to the sport’s biggest stage.
Watch the Tallahassee Regional on the ESPN app
Holland’s NCAA tournament predictions
How far will FSU go?
I expect Florida State to win the Tallahassee Regional and advance to the Super Regional. However, I am uncertain about what happens next, when the Seminoles would most likely travel to Los Angeles to face UCLA.
The last time the two teams met, FSU came out victorious at the Clearwater Invitational. However, the Bruins are a better team now than they were in February, and the Seminoles have largely played on their home field. The last time the Noles went out west, they were swept by Stanford.
FSU would have to beat UCLA twice to punch its ticket to the Women’s College World Series. The Seminoles could make a strong push and force a third game, but that may be where the run ends.
If UCLA is eliminated, however, all bets are off.
FSU is capable of reaching the Women’s College World Series, but it must prove it can win in a different time zone. The Seminoles could come up just short.
Who is on upset alert in NCAA softball tournament?
Keep a close eye on Georgia Tech in the Gainesville Regional. The Yellow Jackets are a tough, gritty team that could pull off an upset.
Georgia Tech has been inconsistent, but many of its games have been competitive, including its matchup with Florida. The Yellow Jackets have played in Gainesville twice and, while they have not beaten the Gators, they have made things difficult.
It would not be surprising to see Georgia Tech knock off Florida on its home field.
Who is the dark horse in NCAA softball tournament
Arizona State is intriguing. The Sun Devils got hot at the right time late in the season and pulled off a notable upset of Texas Tech to win the Big 12 title.
They could have a significant impact in the tournament and make another statement in College Station. Arizona State is 13-4 on the road and 5-0 at neutral sites.
The College Station Regional appears wide open, and the Sun Devils could win it and advance to a Super Regional for the first time since 2018.
Who wins the College World Series
I am still backing Texas Tech. It has not been its best season and the Red Raiders are a lower seed, but they remain a formidable team led by NiJaree Canady.
I expect Texas Tech to return to the Women’s College World Series and win the national title in Oklahoma City, likely against Oklahoma, which I also see reaching the championship series.
It would be a fitting ending for Canady, who has performed on big stages throughout her career and would look to finish as a national champion.
Tallahassee Regional 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
Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5, noon
*Game 7: Winner of Game 6 vs. Loser of Game 6, 2:30 p.m.
* If necessary
Where to watch NCAA softball Regionals
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU softball predictions: How far can Seminoles go in NCAA tournament?
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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