FSU softball fires no-hitter in shutout win over Marist in NCAA Regional

FSU softball (51-8) fired a no-hitter and hit three home runs in the 9-0 shutout win over Marist in the NCAA Regional opener.

The Noles fired a no-hitter in the regional opener last year against Howard. Mack Leonard pitched the first five innings, allowing no hits, one walk, and two strikeouts. Makenna Reid pitched the fifth inning and had two strikeouts. Leonard only threw 50 pitches, so I’m curious why they didn’t allow her the chance to complete the no-hitter herself.

Her performance might have been the best she’s looked all season. However, the most important thing is they got the win. The game was scoreless through two innings until the Noles broke through for five runs in the bottom of the third. Jahni Kerry, Devyn Flaherty, and Kalei Harding had two hits. Harding had two RBI, along with Michaela Edenfield and Katie Dack.

Edenfield hit a two-run home run, and Katie Dack hit the two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. It’s Dack birthday and a walk-off home run is a fitting present to herself. The FSU offense had 10 hits in 22 at-bats, plus four walks. The Noles didn’t have a single batter to strike out, though the home plate umpire did have a favorable strike zone at times for the FSU batters.

The Noles will take on the winner of the South Carolina and UCF game Saturday at 1 p.m. FSU softball continues to operate at a high level with their 17th consecutive win. Leonard pitching well allows FSU to rest Kathryn Sandercock for a potential start in Saturday’s game.

Reid only threw nine pitches, and she would be fresh Saturday as well. UCF and South Carolina are obviously much tougher challenges than Marist, and I’m curious to watch their game to get a feel for what they bring to the table.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow, with the game airing on the ACCNX channel.