The stage is set for an exciting ACC Tournament clash as No. 1 Florida State softball (46-8, 21-3) takes on No. 9 Georgia Tech (30-26, 10-14) in the quarterfinals. This marks the second meeting between these two teams this season, but with postseason stakes on the line, expect a much different energy in Charlottesville.
The Yellow Jackets come into this game riding high after a dominant first-round victory over No. 8 Notre Dame, winning 13-3 in just five innings. Pitcher Madalyn Johnson went the distance, while six different players drove in runs, showcasing the depth that could make Georgia Tech a dangerous opponent. Notably, GT hasn't played since their last matchup with FSU, giving them extra time to prepare for the top seed.
Florida State, meanwhile, enters the tournament with plenty of momentum and a trophy case full of ACC honors. Shortstop Isa Torres was named both the conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, while pitcher Jazzy Francik earned Pitcher of the Year honors. Head coach Lonni Alameda was also recognized as the ACC Coach of the Year, reflecting the Seminoles' dominant regular season.
Offensively, the Seminoles are led by a trio of stars. Alyssa Willer is hitting .382 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs, while Gracyn Tucker is close behind with a .381 average and a team-high 18 homers. Holly Medina provides a steady presence in the lineup with a .371 average and 29 RBIs. On the mound, Kenley Hilleary holds a 3.26 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 68.2 innings, while Georgia Tech's Madalyn Johnson counters with a 3.42 ERA and 127 strikeouts over 153.2 innings.
The game is scheduled for 11 a.m. on ACCN, and it's just the beginning of a full day of tournament action. Following this matchup, No. 4 Stanford faces No. 5 Louisville at 1:30 p.m., No. 2 Duke takes on No. 10 North Carolina at 5 p.m., and No. 3 Virginia Tech meets No. 11 Pitt at 7:30 p.m. The winners will advance to the semifinals on Saturday, with the championship game set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Whether you're cheering for the top-seeded Seminoles or hoping for an upset from the Yellow Jackets, this tournament promises plenty of drama. Stay tuned as we update this thread with all the action from Charlottesville.