Less than a month ago, the Florida State softball team was swept at Stanford. The Seminoles didn’t leave any doubt and didn’t even allow the Cardinal to score a run on Friday in the ACC Tournament.
Ashtyn Danley went 3 for 3 with a pair of RBI doubles and an RBI single as FSU routed Stanford 9-0 in five innings on Friday to advance to the ACC Tournament title game on Saturday afternoon. Danley's scored two runs and her average rose to .357.
Isa Torres scored three runs, hitting 2 for 2 with a walk and raising her average to .549.
FSU (48-8) is in the ACC Tournament title game for a 28th time in the 33 years of the tournament.
The Seminoles will face Duke or Virginia Tech on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (ESPN).
The overwhelming run support backed freshman right-hander Bella Dimitrijevic, who allowed just one hit and a walk in four innings. Dimitrijevic (7-2) had four strikeouts.
It was just the second time Dimitrijevic has pitched four or more scoreless innings. She also did it against Rutgers on Feb. 28, tossing five scoreless innings.
“Bella decided that, ‘Can I stand next to you while you're calling pitching for Jazzy (Francik) or Ashtyn and find out what you're doing and how you're doing it?” FSU coach Lonni Alameda said. “I think that made a big difference for her is. Talking through the at-bats a little bit more. I’ve just seen that growth in her personally. She’s got the skill set. A lot of people have the skill set. But the mindset and the smarts, I think then you get a true warrior in the circle. I thought she did great today.”
Danley allowed a hit in the fifth but shut the door on Stanford.
Makenna Sturgis also went 2 for 2 with two runs scored, while Jaysoni Beachum also had two RBI and two runs scored.
FSU didn’t play Duke or Virginia Tech in the regular season, but regardless will be facing a top-20 RPI team and will enjoy a bump from a deep run in the ACC Tournament. The Seminoles could be making a strong argument that they have earned a top-8 national seed, especially if they win the ACC title.
The NCAA Selection Committee will announce the regional hosts and the 64-team field on Sunday.
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