Breaking down FSU softball's path to Super Regionals as overall No. 5 seed

FSU softball (46-9, 18-3 ACC) finished the regular season with a disappointing loss in the ACC Tournament Finals, giving up their lead to Clemson in the final inning to lose by one run.

However, their body of work in the regular season was good enough for the No. 5 overall seed in the NCAA Softball Tournament. FSU was the only ACC seed among the top eight and will host a regional in Tallahassee.

Coach Alameda has FSU in position for another deep run in the tournament, with a much deeper pitching staff than the past few years. It's an area that has cost FSU and was the No. 1 priority to address in the offseason. FSU should advance to the Super Regionals, but here's a look at the competition in the Tallahassee Regional:

Robert Morris Softball (No. 4 seed)

The Colonials finished (30-16, 16-7 Horizon) but didn't beat anyone of note. They defeated Pitt earlier in the year, the same Pitt FSU swept in a three-game series. They bat .308 and hit for little power, striking out 18 percent of their at-bats. Their on-base percentage is .379, but they are active on the bases when they get on, stealing 74 of 81 stolen base attempts.

Their pitching isn't anything special, with a team 3.78 team ERA. They allow opposing batters to hit .252 and stay around the plate without being overpowering. However, we must factor they haven't faced the best competition. Defensively, they will kick it around, posting a .959 fielding percentage.

South Florida (No. 3 seed)

The Bulls finished the season 43-14-1, 20-6-1 American Athletic Conference) and like Robert Morris, didn't beat anyone of note. However, they beat Louisville who plays in the ACC(and didn't make the postseason). They bat .326 and only hit 50 home runs, while only striking out 11 percent of their at-bats. Their on-base percentage is .424, but they are not as active on the bases as Robert Morris. They've stolen on 56 of 69 attempts.

They have two pitchers they trust and their combined average ERA is 2.23. Neither have a ton of strikeouts compared to the innings the pitch and opposing batters hit about .230 against them. As with Robert Morris, they haven't faced the best competition. Defensively, they have a .958 fielding percentage.

Auburn (No. 2 seed)

Auburn is the team FSU defeated 10-4 in last year's regional to advance to Supers, and it's a similar team. They finished 32-22 (6-18 SEC) and own wins over North Carolina, Virginia, NC State, Oklahoma State, and Georgia. They are not great offensively, batting .266 and striking out in 23 percent of their at-bats. They hit a few more home runs than Robert Morris or South Florida, but their on-base percentage is .366 and only went 55 of 70 on stolen bases.

Their pitching isn't great, but they have a few arms they trot out there. Their team ERA is 3.96 and opposing batters hit .274. They don't have a ton of strikeouts and their two best pitchers have allowed 10+ home runs.

They are much better defensively compared to Robert Morris or South Florida with a .964 fielding percentage.

FSU will play Robert Morris on Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET and USF will play Auburn and the two winners will go to the winner's bracket to face off.