FSU softball (39-5, 12-4 ACC) defeated the North Carolina Tarheels 9-2 Sunday to capture the series win after falling on Saturday. The Noles jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning behind a 2-run home run from Mack Leonard.
The Noles brought two more runs in the top of the fourth behind RBI doubles from Sydney Sherrill and Mack Leonard. However, North Carolina got on the board with two runs with a two-out hit in the bottom of the fourth after Kathryn Sandercock held them hitless for the first three innings.
However, the Noles flexed their power with two solo home runs from Kalei Harding and Jahni Kerr in the top of the sixth to give the Noles a 6-2 lead. Harding hit another three-run home run in the top of the seventh to make it 9-2.
Sandercock threw six innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, no walks, and seven strikeouts. Mack Leonard pitched the final frame, allowing one walk, no hits, and no runs.
We are off to a quick start as @mackleonard31 hits a two-run π£ to center field! #OneTribe
β Florida State Softball π₯ (@FSU_Softball) April 17, 2022
πΊ: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/bDLBYNQCDp
.@sydneysherrilll does what she does and hits yet another double to make it 3-0! #OneTribe
β Florida State Softball π₯ (@FSU_Softball) April 17, 2022
πΊ: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/X98IAe1Pl7
.@mackleonard31 records her third RBI of the game with a double of her own! #OneTribe
β Florida State Softball π₯ (@FSU_Softball) April 17, 2022
πΊ: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/X3W4M4OVxB
.@kaleiharding hits her second π£π£ of the weekend to make it 5-2! #OneTribe
β Florida State Softball π₯ (@FSU_Softball) April 17, 2022
πΊ: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/5ITas02zpq
.@jahni_kerr_04 joins the home run party to make it 6-2! #OneTribe
β Florida State Softball π₯ (@FSU_Softball) April 17, 2022
πΊ: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/HzdEOnmVbg
.@kaleiharding is on π₯π₯π₯π₯
β Florida State Softball π₯ (@FSU_Softball) April 17, 2022
She hit her second π£π£ of the day and third of the weekend! #OneTribe
πΊ: ACCNX pic.twitter.com/R0tn67HkZS
Takeaways
FSU softball expected to sweep the Tarheels, who have not had a great season. However, when youβre one of the best teams in the nation, opposing teams will look to raise their games with the expectation to make a statement.
It was good to see the offense get going Sunday after struggling for much of the first two games.
The Noles only scored three runs in the first two games combined but exploded with 11 hits and nine runs Sunday. Sandercock remains consistent as the ace of the staff, but FSU softball will need Danielle Watson to elevate her game if they are to make a deep postseason run.
Watson has struggled of late because sheβs allowed 17 hits and eight earned runs in her last 10.1 innings pitched.
She has six walks and eight strikeouts and hasnβt been the dominant pitcher the Noles need to pair with Sandercock. If she regains her form, the Noles will be a tough out for anyone.
The Noles will be back in action Tuesday against Stetson before hosting Clemson next weekend.