FSU softball: Noles avenge loss against Longwood

No. 4 FSU softball (4-1) avenged a previous loss against Longwood Sunday afternoon, 5-0, to end the JoAnne Graf Classic in Tallahassee.

FSU lost to Longwood Saturday 5-4 after coming back from a 5-0 early deficit. I know fans may have been concerned about the early loss to an unranked opponent.

However, FSU head coach Lonni Alameda was working on some things and trying to find the right combination on the mound and in the lineup.

Mack Leonard got the start on the mound and went 2.2 innings with one hit allowed, two strikeouts, and a walk.

Allison Royalty came in relief and went three innings with no hits allowed, five strikeouts, and two walks. Freshman Makenna Reid closed the door by striking out the side in the top of the seventh.

Devyn Flaherty led the offensive attack with a double, triple, RBI, and run scored. Makayla Edenfield went 1-2 with an RBI, and Katie Dack had a sacrifice fly RBI. Mack Leonard had a double and run scored.

The Noles did most of their damage in the bottom of the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie. Leonard doubled to center, and Kalei Harding reached on a fielder’s choice, with a run scoring on a throwing error. Edenfield’s single drove in another on a one-hopper off the right field wall.

Flaherty’s triple scored another run, and Flaherty scored on the sacrifice fly from Katie Dack. FSU softball’s other run came in the bottom of the fifth. Kayla Mudge walked, and Kayley Devivi hit a single, with Mudge scoring on a throwing error.

It was a nice rebound win for the Noles as they get ready for stiffer competition later next week. Several pitchers got some game experience this week, which takes some pressure off of Kathyrn Sandercock.

The offense is still a work in progress but has shown glimpses of what’s possible when they string hits together. FSU softball will host FAMU Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.