FSU softball defeats Tennessee to face Oklahoma for national title

FSU softball (58-9) defeated Tennessee 5-1 Monday night and will play Oklahoma for the national title Wednesday night in the best two of three series.

Tennessee got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run against starting pitcher Mack Leonard.

However, the Noles answered in the top of the second with a home run by Michaela Edenfield.

The Noles took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third on a home run by Bethaney Keen and never trailed again. Jahni Kerr had a big two-out hit in the top of the fifth to make it 3-1.

Makenna Reid relieved Leonard and pitched two innings, allowing two walks, one hit, and two strikeouts.

Kathryn Sandercock entered the game in the bottom of the fifth and shut down the Lady Volunteers the rest of the way. She only allowed one hit and struck out four batters. She threw 34 pitches (29 strikes), which is key with such a short turnaround for Wednesday’s game against Oklahoma.

The FSU offense broke the game open in the top of the sixth, which, I’m sure gave FSU softball fans room to breathe. Michaela Edenfield walked, and pinch runner Amaya Ross stole second base.

Devyn Flaherty struck out, and Mack Leonard flew out, with Ross tagging up and taking third base. Hallie Wacaser took an 0-1 pitcher over the leftfield wall for a two-run bomb for a 5-1 lead and eventual final score.

The Noles threatened again in the top of the seventh. Keen singled, and Josie Muffley was hit by a pitch, with Kerr dropping a beautiful bunt down to put runners on first and third with two outs(Muffley was out on a force play earlier). Kaley Mudge made the third out trying to steal home with Michaela Edenfield at the plate.

She was originally called safe, but the replay showed her out by an eyelash. Sandercock set the Tennessee batters down in order in the bottom of the seventh.

FSU will play Oklahoma Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN.