FSU softball: Lonni Alameda focusing on the process with young team

FSU softball (5-3) has faced major adversity early in the 2024 schedule. They lost their season opener against Charlotte and their last two games, allowing 34 runs. However, if you listen to FSU Head Coach Lonni Alameda, she hasn't been surprised by the outcomes. Frankly, she admits she expected her young team to get exposed early in the season. However, it's all about learning team identity and improving as the season progresses. FSU lost major leadership and production from last year's NCAA Tournament Runner-Up team. It's relying on several young players and freshmen in key positions to help this team get to where it wants to go. That comes with growing pains as those young players become familiar with their roles and execute in key situations.

Alameda admits she's happy the team continued to show fight in some tough situations, scoring 10 runs in both losses. However, the defense and pitching needs to improve, particularly the latter. It's something she's focusing on as they chart and go over each play in past games. FSU pitchers have been off when it comes to consistently throwing strikes and getting ahead of batters. In particular, Makenna Reid, the projected team ace after a stellar freshman season in 2023. Alameda is truly one of the best softball coaches in the game and understands the importance of confidence. She didn't name anyone by name in terms of criticism but is aware of what needs to transpire for the Noles to be one of the better teams in the nation. FSU was preseason No. 3 in the nation but dropped to No. 11 in the latest polls. They have some manageable games over the next few games to work out some issues. I'll be interested to see how Reid and freshman Ashtyn Danley pitch. If they find confidence and consistency, FSU can play with any team in the nation.