Florida State softball forced a decisive Game 7 in the Tallahassee Regional but couldn’t complete the comeback, falling to UCF 4-2, as its NCAA Tournament run ended on Sunday at the Seminole Softball Complex.
UCF pulled away late to outlast the Seminoles and advance to the Super Regional, handing Florida State its regional elimination since 2022.
The Golden Knights struck first, taking a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a home run by Beth Damon. Florida State answered with RBI singles from Anna Hinde and Isa Torres over the next two innings to tie the game and briefly regain momentum.
The Seminoles threatened to build on the rally but were stymied by a series of setbacks, including overturned calls following challenges. UCF then reclaimed control behind a home run from Izzy Mertes, shifting momentum for good.
Florida State managed just five hits in the loss. Jaysoni Beachum led the Seminoles at the plate, going 2-for-2. Lonni Alameda played three of her top pitchers, with Ashtyn Danley getting the start. Bella Dimitrijevic relieved Danley for 0.1 innings.
She returned after the freshman allowed a home run and a single. Jazzy Francik closed out the game. FSU only had one strikeout the whole game and allowed five hits and an error. Dimitrijevic was the losing pitcher.
UCF advances to face the winner of the UCLA-South Carolina matchup in the Los Angeles Regional, with Super Regional play beginning May 24.
Florida State finishes the season 52-10 (21-3, ACC) in coach Alameda’s 18th year, its postseason ending short of another Super Regional appearance.
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 falls to UCF, misses Super Regional berth
