Florida State softball (9-2) will get back to action this weekend, hosting the Dugout Classic. The field will consist of Dartmouth (2x), No. 9 Alabama (2x), and Elon.
The Noles will play Dartmouth and Alabama on Friday and Saturday, and wrap up against Elon on Sunday. It’s a scenario designed to mimic conference play with the Noles playing doubleheaders. It’s something that Coach Lonni Alameda mentioned in her pre-game press conference:
FSU continues to build towards ACC play and the postseason with a young team
The Dugout Classic will be the first game for Dartmouth this season. They’ll face Elon to open their season before playing FSU. Obviously, Alabama is No. 9 nationally, and FSU has history with the Crimson Tide, beating Alabama last year.
Elon is (1-9) this season. FSU will clearly use this format to gain experience for many of its young players. Coach Alameda provided an update on Kennedy Harp, and she’s just waiting to get cleared by the doctors to return to action. There wasn’t much of a time frame provided, but hopefully, it’s sooner rather than later. Â
I'd expect to see freshmen pitchers Bella Dimitrijevic and Marlee Gaskell continue to get plenty of opportunities over the next few games. Both have shown the belong, Dimitrijevic more than Gaskell, but both need to continue to mix their speeds and locations to maximize effectiveness.
Several freshmen batters have gotten of to a great start, but FSU needs to see players like Haley Griggs, Shelby McKenzie, and Angelee Bueno pick it up a few notches so the bottom of the order can help set things up for the top of the lineup.
FSU will play at Dartmouth at 3 p.m. and then Alabama at 5:30 or 30 minutes after the first game ends. The games will air on the ACCNX channel.