TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Winning the first game of the NCAA Tallahassee Super Regional for the second straight season, No. 4 Florida State (55-6-1) is one game away from the 2017 Women's College World Series after a 3-1 win over No. 18 LSU (45-20) on Friday night at JoAnne Graf Field.
The Seminole senior class led the way for Florida State as Ellie Cooper and Sydney Broderick combined for four hits, including three doubles and two RBI, while pitcher Jessica Burroughs allowed just three hits in the complete-game victory.
The 55 wins so far in 2017 ties a program record under head coach Lonni Alameda, matching the final total in 2014 and 2016 when the Seminoles advanced to the WCWS. Overall, it is tied for the sixth-highest win total in school history, trailing the 63 wins from 1991, 62 in 1992 and 2004 and 58 in 1995 and 2001.
“Couldn't be more proud of the team and the fight,” said Alameda. “We talked about all season that we'd sometimes just touch the water a little bit and see how warm it is and not just jump in. But today we just go after it and I'm really proud of them. It is a great ballclub in LSU. Getting the first game under your belt is big and builds momentum for us. Obviously a huge game for us tomorrow.”
Friday's game remained scoreless until the bottom of the third inning when Cali Harrod opened the FSU half of the inning with a double down the right field line. Morgan Klaevemann followed with a bunt single to put runners on the corners and Jessie Warren drove in her 68th RBI of the season on a single to left to give the Noles a 1-0 lead. It marked the 21st time this season that Warren drove in Florida State's first run of the game.
The Noles got a runner to third in the fourth inning as Cooper lined a one-out double into the gap in right center. The senior captain moved up to third on a failed pickoff attempt by LSU, but a groundout to short ended the inning.
Burroughs was outstanding in the circle for Florida State to open the game, not allowing a base hit until a one-out single in the fifth inning by Amber Serrett. LSU took advantage of the opportunity, moving her up to second on a sacrifice bunt and an RBI single by Emily Griggs tied the game at 1-1.
The Seminoles took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth inning as Carsyn Gordon led off with a single up the middle. She moved up to second on a wild pitch and Sydney Broderick's second double of the game put the Noles in front 2-1. Freshman Deja Bush entered the game to pinch run for Broderick and promptly scored on an RBI single to right by Cooper, extending the FSU lead to 3-1.
Burroughs retired the side in order in the top of the seventh for her 27th win of the season, scattering three hits and three walks, while striking out eight batters.
LSU's Carley Hoover (14-7) allowed three runs on eight hits with a walk and six strikeouts in the loss.
Game two of the NCAA Tallahassee Super Regional will be played on Saturday, May 27 at 3:00 p.m., and will be broadcast live on ESPN. If Florida State wins, they will advance to the 2017 Women's College World Series, beginning on June 1 in Oklahoma City, Okla. If LSU wins, it will force a game three of the Super Regional, which will be played on Sunday, May 28 at 1:00 p.m.
The entire grandstand at JoAnne Graf Field has sold out for this weekend, but standing-room tickets do remain for the remaining games of the NCAA Super Regional. They are priced at $7 each and can be purchased in advance at Seminoles.com, or on the day of the games at the ticket booth at JoAnne Graf Field.
The FSU Clear Bag policy will be in effect for all NCAA postseason events at JoAnne Graf Field. Fans are allowed items that can fit in one 12”x12” clear tote bag or a small 4.5”x6.5” clutch or purse. Items that are not allowed include camera or binocular cases, backpacks, printed pattern bags or any size tote or mesh bags.
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