Florida State softball star Isa Torres has been named a finalist for the prestigious USA Softball National Player of the Year award, adding another highlight to what has been a standout season for the Seminoles. Torres, known for her explosive bat and defensive prowess, has been a driving force for FSU throughout the year, consistently delivering in clutch moments and earning recognition as one of the top players in the nation.
While the softball team celebrates Torres's individual honor, the baseball squad is gearing up for a pivotal regular-season finale against rival Miami. The No. 11 Seminoles are riding high after winning seven of their last eight games, including a series win at Clemson from May 8-10. With a 36-15 overall record and a 17-10 mark in ACC play, FSU is tied for third in the conference and looking to secure a top 8 national seed heading into the postseason.
The three-game series against the Hurricanes promises plenty of drama on the mound. Thursday's opener features FSU junior left-hander Wes Mendes (9-3, 2.42 ERA) against Miami senior lefty Rob Evans (9-3, 3.41 ERA). Mendes has been electric this season, racking up 103 strikeouts in 78 innings while allowing just 21 earned runs. On Friday, junior lefty Trey Beard (5-1, 5.12 ERA) takes the hill against UM sophomore right-hander Lazaro Collera (3-2, 4.68 ERA). The series wraps up Saturday with FSU junior righty Bryson Moore (6-1, 4.09 ERA) facing Miami sophomore right-hander AJ Ciscar (4-3, 4.35 ERA).
At the plate, the Seminoles are hitting .282 as a team, with 64 home runs and 102 doubles through 51 games. Sophomore shortstop Gabe Fraser leads the way with a .319 average, while freshman outfielder John Stuetzer has collected 47 hits. Junior center fielder Brayden Dowd has provided pop with nine home runs, and junior left fielder Chase Williams has been a threat on the basepaths with 17 stolen bags. On the injury front, pitcher John Abraham is listed as out, while Williams is probable for the weekend series.
With seven series wins in nine conference weekends—including three sweeps—FSU is peaking at the right time. Four of those series wins have come against top-12 nationally ranked opponents, three of them on the road, proving this Seminoles team can compete with the best. As they close out the regular season at home, all eyes will be on whether they can carry this momentum into the ACC Tournament and beyond.