Florida State captured its 20th ACC postseason title Saturday, edging Virginia Tech 2-1 behind timely hitting and airtight pitching at Palmer Park. The championship victory became a clean sweep for the Seminoles as it also holds its 19th regular-season title.
Virginia Tech struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a throwing error by Isa Torres that led to an RBI single for a 1-0 lead. The Seminoles answered in the second. Kennedy Harp delivered an RBI single to score Bella Ruggiero, and Harp later crossed the plate on a passed ball to give Florida State a 2-1 advantage.
Despite managing just three hits, Florida State made the slim lead stand. The game remained scoreless the rest of the way as the Seminoles relied on their pitching and defense. Virginia Tech threatened late, loading the bases, but Florida State worked out of the jam to preserve the win.
Francik earned the victory in the circle as the Seminoles secured the championship. She threw six strikeouts and is 22-1 on the season.
Florida State will now await its NCAA Tournament placement during Selection Sunday, which begins at 7 p.m. Saturday’s win could bolster the Seminoles’ chances of earning a top-eight seed and hosting regional and super regional play.
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: Jazzy Francik’s pitching lifts FSU softball past VA Tech for ACC title
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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