Get ready for an electrifying showdown on the diamond! Florida State Seminoles and Marshall are set to clash in a softball doubleheader that promises thrills, spills, and a whole lot of drama. But here's where it gets controversial: despite FSU's historical dominance over Marshall, could this be the year the Thundering Herd turns the tide? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
On Saturday, February 7th, the JoAnne Graf Classic at the Seminole Softball Complex will host two back-to-back games between these powerhouse teams. The first game kicks off at 3 p.m., with the second game following approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first. Both games will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra, and you can catch the action via these streams: Game 1 Stream and Game 2 Stream. Noles247 will keep you updated throughout, from starting lineups to game-changing moments, with play-by-play action in the comments section.
Both teams are off to a blazing 2-0 start this season and in the Graf Classic. Florida State secured a 2-0 victory over Samford on Thursday, thanks to a stellar no-hitter by Jazzy Francik (full story here), and followed it up with a dominant 12-3 win over Iowa in just five innings on Friday (recap here). Marshall, meanwhile, swept their Friday doubleheader, defeating UConn 10-1 and Samford 10-1 in five innings.
Here’s the part most people miss: This is the first meeting between FSU and Marshall since 2017, and historically, FSU has won all five matchups, including a 4-0 record in Tallahassee. But with both teams firing on all cylinders this season, could Marshall finally break through? FSU boasts an impressive 31-5 all-time record in the JoAnne Graf Classic, but Marshall’s recent performances suggest they’re not here to roll over.
Starting Lineups for Game 1:
Florida State Seminoles
1. SS Isa Torres
2. 2B Marin Heller
3. 3B Jayson Beachum
4. RF Shelby McKenzie
5. LF Ashtyn Danley
6. DH Anna Hinde
7. 1B Hayley Griggs
8. C Bella Ruggiero
9. CF Makenna Sturgis
SP - Jazzy Francik
Marshall Thundering Herd
1. CF Diamond Leslie
2. RF Bella Gerlach
3. 3B Sydni Burko
4. C Tia Titi
5. DH Ava Blake
6. LF Chandler Hoskins
7. 1B Ramey George
8. 2B Haleigh Adkins
9. SS Paige Simpson
SP - Paige Maynard
JoAnne Graf Classic Schedule:
- Feb. 5: Samford 6, UConn 2
- Feb. 5: FSU 2, Samford 0
- Feb. 6: Marshall 10, UConn 1
- Feb. 6: Marshall 10, Samford 1 (F/5)
- Feb. 6: Iowa 9, Samford 1 (F/5)
- Feb. 6: FSU 12, Iowa 3 (F/5)
- Feb. 7: Samford vs. Iowa - 10 a.m.
- Feb. 7: UConn vs. Iowa - 12:30 p.m.
- Feb. 7: FSU vs. Marshall - 3 p.m.
- Feb. 7: FSU vs. Marshall - 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 8: FSU vs. UConn - 9 a.m.
- Feb. 8: Marshall vs. Iowa - 11:30 a.m.
First Inning Update: The game is set to begin at 3:17 p.m. with the score tied at 0-0. Will FSU continue their dominance, or will Marshall rise to the challenge? And this is the part most people miss: Could Marshall’s momentum this season be the game-changer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Marshall has what it takes to upset the Seminoles, or will FSU’s experience prevail? The stage is set for an unforgettable battle!
