The No. 9 Florida State softball team came into the NCAA regionals at JoAnne Graf Field with domination on their mind. The Stetson Hatters had other plans as the Seminoles dropped their opening game 8-3 in stunning fashion on Friday.

With their backs against the wall on Saturday, FSU showed the heart, fight and determination of a champion by coming back the to run-rule Jacksonville State 11-0 in five innings and avenge their loss to the Hatters 11-3.

After getting off to a slow start in the regional, the Seminoles found their groove and eliminated two opponents in one day. Now the Seminoles will play for their lives on Sunday when they must win two games in a row against UCF.

“Today is a tough day, but you know what you got to do,” FSU coach Lonni Alameda said. “Now the tougher day comes in to the rested team tomorrow (Sunday) that's got a little bit of an advantage for the fact that we got to beat them twice. But we’re ready for the 14 innings and bringing it tomorrow.”

The star of the day was utility player Ashtyn Danley. The talented junior was in the zone for both games, recording five hits, five RBI and three home runs. Danley also displayed her arm talent by pitching four innings and striking out three while only giving up one earned run. The Gamecocks and Hatters simply didn’t have an answer for her.

The emergence of Danley as a legitimate threat in the batter’s box and in the circle has been an interesting development as the season has progressed. For this team to have a chance at beating Central Florida in the regional finals on Sunday, Danley and the rest of the Florida State softball team must be on their game and locked in like they were on Saturday.

After a sluggish start on Friday, the Seminoles’ bats started to heat up on Saturday and will look to carry the momentum into Sunday.

“I was just trying to take the best swing that I could on whatever pitch was being thrown,” Danley said. “I just wanted to keep playing fun and playing free.”

FSU can rest up for now after a long day Saturday to keep hope alive of advancing in the NCAA Tournament. The Seminoles and the Golden Knights get started on Sunday at noon for game one. If necessary, game two is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. A TV network or streaming option has not yet been announced.

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