FSU softball: Noles open 2022 season Friday with a doubleheader

FSU softball will begin its season Friday, February 11th, when they take on Loyola(Chicago), Mercer, and Kennesaw State in the JoAnne Graf Classic.

The Noles will play Mercer Friday at 3 p.m and immediately after that game at 5:30 p.m against Kennesaw State. Saturday will see FSU battle Loyola at 12:30 p.m. and play again at 3 p.m. against Kennesaw State.

FSU softball has never faced Loyola and is undefeated against Mercer and Kennesaw State historically.

The Noles (49-13-1, 26-5-1 ACC) played for a national title last season and came up one victory short against No. 1 Oklahoma, dropping the last two games after winning the series opener.

The Noles lost their College World Series opener and beat No. 11 Arizona, No. 5 Oklahoma State, and No. 3 Alabama twice to reach the CWS finals.

The ladies lost some firepower from last season but return a solid nucleus on offense and the pitcher’s mound. Sydney Sherrill, Devyn Flaherty, Kalei Harding, Kaley Mudge, and Kiersten Landers are proven, offensive players.

Pitching ace Katheryn Sandercock returns along with Danielle Watson, Emma Wilson, and transfer Mack Leonard. The latter came from Illinois State, where she batted over .400 in all three seasons. FSU added another transfer with USF infield Bethaney Keen and some highly-touted freshmen in Amaya Ross and Brooke Blankenship.

Last year’s team was scrappy with dominant pitching, defense, and timely hitting. FSU pitchers posted 18 shutouts and another 10 games where they only allowed one run.

They lose Elizabeth Mason, who led the team with 10 home runs but should return enough offense to make the Noles potent up and down the order. The Noles will be on national TV 16 times this season, so be sure to tune in and support one of the most exciting teams wearing garnet and gold.