FSU softball opens Tallahassee Regional against Tennessee at Chattanooga

FSU softball (43-14) will begin the postseason in the NCAA Tournament, hosting the Tallahassee Regional against Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs (42-14). The Noles didn't end the regular season or ACC Tournament on a good note and will look to stay in the winner's bracket to take on the winner of UCF/Auburn. The Mocs are a solid team, and FSU can't afford to take them lightly. They hit .304 with 52 home runs and a .388 on-base percentage. They strike out in 16.6 percent of their at-bats but don't draw many walks and are not incredibly aggressive on the bases. Their pitchers are solid, with a 2.81 ERA overall, and opposing batters hit .223 against them. They have only allowed 21 home runs and 307 hits in 376 innings. Defensively, the Mocs have a .968 fielding percentage. 

Keys to Victory  

It's very simple. FSU pitchers must throw strikes first and foremost. The Mocs are free swingers and should help FSU pitchers out. The FSU defense must make the routine plays. Offensively, FSU must show patience at the plate and capitalize in hitter counts. They need good situational at-bats and must create havoc on the bases. The hope is the Noles can save Ashtyn Danley's arm as much as possible in preparation for a game in the winner's bracket. I'm not sure if she'll start Friday's game, but she's the most consistent option without Makenna Reid as an option. I'm curious to see how the freshmen play in this environment. FSU got some experience against good competition in the Clearwater Invitational earlier this year. The results were not what they wanted, but I think it'll pay dividends here. Also, having veterans like Kaley Mudge, Devyn Flaherty, Michaela Edenfield, and Jahni Kerr should be helpful. However, all of those veterans need to play well for FSU to make a deep run. The game will begin at 4:30 p.m. and air on the ACC Network.