No. 9 FSU softball falls 8-3 to Stetson in Tallahassee Regional opener

An early deficit proved too much to overcome as No. 9 Florida State softball fell 8-3 to the Stetson University Hatters in the 2026 NCAA Division I Softball Tournament opener on May 15. Despite entering the opener fresh off the program’s 20th ACC championship on May 9, the Seminoles were unable to slow down a hot Stetson offense that totaled eight runs on 12 at the JoAnne Graf Field.

The Hatters struck first in the second inning when junior catcher Logan Forman blasted a no-doubt two-run home run over the left field wall. The ’Noles quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning as freshman catcher and 2026 Third Team All-ACC honoree Anna Hinde crushed a solo home run over center field, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

“Stetson came out and hit the ball and got after it and made some good pitches,” FSU head coach Lonni Alameda said in the postgame press conference. “We had some good swings … we were an inch and maybe a foot [away] from some home runs there. They hit some balls where we weren’t at and we hit some balls where they were at; you expect that this time of year.”

The Hatters grew their lead in the third inning behind sophomore third baseman Amber Chumley, who launched a three-run home run to put the score at 5-1.

Want more ball? Sign up for the FSView Newsletter

Garnet and Gold starting sophomore pitcher Jazzy Francik exited the game after allowing five earned runs on five hits after 2.2 innings. The outing marked Francik’s third loss of the season and the most earned runs she’s surrendered in a game this season.

FSU rally falls short despite offensive push

Florida State attempted to battle back in the bottom of the third inning. Junior third baseman Jaysoni Beachum singled up the middle before junior utility player Ashtyn Danley powered a two-run home run over center field, trimming the deficit to 5-3.

“This time of year, hitters are hitting good pitches,” Alameda said. “Stetson did a good job of capitalizing on some swings and when people get hit, it’s not because they don’t have good stuff, it’s sometimes the hitters are just really good and they take advantage of things.”