The opening day of college softball delivered a flurry of surprises, upsets, and standout performances, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead. From unexpected defeats to impressive victories, teams made their mark on the diamond as they kicked off the 2024 campaign. Here’s a roundup of the notable action from the inaugural games:
Florida State Stumbles Against Charlotte In a nail-biting showdown, No. 3 ranked Florida State suffered an upset at the hands of Charlotte, with a 6-5 defeat in an extended 10-inning battle. The Seminoles’ pitching faltered, conceding 12 hits, five walks, and six earned runs. Emma Wilson (0-1) took the loss for The Seminoles as they gear up for a redemption opportunity in a rematch with Charlotte. Kalei Harding, Devyn Flaherty, Jaysoni Beachum, and Isa Torres each collected two hits for the Seminoles.
UCF Dominates Opening Day UCF made a resounding statement on opening day, clinching two commanding victories. Against Howard, Shannon Doherty and Chloe Evans led the offensive charge, while Angelina DeVoe (W, 1-0) delivered a stellar performance in the circle, allowing zero hits over four innings. The Knights continued their dominance against UConn, with Jada Cody and Kennedy Searcy showcasing their power at the plate, supported by a solid pitching effort from Sarah Willis (1-0).
USF Starts Strong USF kicked off their season with two consecutive wins, including a hard-fought nine-inning triumph over Illinois State. Marissa Trivelpiece’s sacrifice fly proved decisive in the extra-inning opener, while junior transfer Belle Sardja impressed in her debut on the mound. Freshmen Julia Apostolakos and Alex Wright made history with a combined no-hitter in their collegiate debut, highlighting USF’s depth and talent.
Florida Gulf Coast Falls Short Florida Gulf Coast faced a tough start to their season, dropping their opener 2-0 to Boston College despite strong individual performances. Riley Oakes recorded two hits and a stolen base, while senior Claire Maulding showcased her pitching prowess with three strikeouts. Angelina Bonilla’s standout relief appearance kept FGCU in contention, but they ultimately fell short against a resilient Boston College squad.
FAU’s Mixed Results FAU experienced a mixed bag of results on opening day, rallying for a comeback win against Marshall before succumbing to Arkansas. Trinity Schlotterbeck’s heroics fueled FAU’s victory over Marshall, while Ansley Lambert excelled in relief. However, Arkansas proved too formidable in game two, handing FAU their first loss of the season despite a gritty pitching effort from Jaden Martinez.
As the season unfolds, these opening day performances offer a glimpse into the fierce competition and excitement that lies ahead in college softball. With teams showcasing their talent and determination from the outset, fans can expect a thrilling journey as the quest for championship glory intensifies.
