FSU softball sneaks past Chattanooga, UCF on deck in winner's bracket

It wasn't pretty, but FSU softball (44-14) got it done late in a 3-2 win over Tennessee Chattanooga Friday evening to move to the winner's bracket in the Tallahassee Regionals. The Noles will take on UCF on Saturday, with the Knights moving past Auburn. Tennessee Chattanooga and the Noles were scoreless until the top of the fourth when the Mocs pushed across two runs on a two-out double off FSU pitcher Allison Royalty. Ashtyn Danley relieved Royalty and only allowed one base runner on a hit by pitch The Noles got a run back in the bottom of the fifth on a huge two-out hit by Hallie Wacaser to cut the lead to 2-1. Isa Torres hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth to set the stage for Devyn Flaherty's triple and go-ahead RBI. Danley set the Mocs down 1-2-3 in the top of the seventh to get the win. 

It was a hard-fought game, with the FSU offense struggling to get much going off the Moc's pitcher. The Noles managed six hits and two walks. Royalty was solid in the circle through the first three innings and at least avoided having Danley throw a ton of pitches. Royalty went 4.1 innings, allowing two earned runs, three hits, five walks, and two strikeouts. The walks continue to be an issue for her, but only one of the walks managed to score. Danley only threw 25 pitches, which should have her fairly fresh for the game against UCF on Saturday. FSU managed to get the win without Kaley Mudge, Kalei Harding, or Jaysoni Beachum getting hits. 

UCF 

FSU is familiar with the Knights, defeating them in last year's regionals. They are similar to Chattanooga, scrappy and can beat you if you don't play well. The UCF game will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday.