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Florida State softball is making its NCAA Tournament debut as the No. 9 seed in the Tallahassee Regional, marking the program’s first postseason appearance since 2018. The Seminoles will host the three-game series at Florida State University’s on-campus diamond, where they’ll face off against three other teams in a high-stakes opening round. With the region set to begin Thursday, May 23, fans can expect an intense showcase of the Seminoles’ resilience after a challenging regular season.
The Tallahassee Regional is one of 16 sites in this year’s NCAA Tournament, and Florida State’s selection as the No. 9 seed reflects both its competitive performance and the depth of the field. The Seminoles, led by head coach Jennifer Jones, will open the regional against the winner of a first-round matchup between No. 8 seed Ole Miss and No. 1 seed Oklahoma State. The bracket structure means Florida State’s path to advancement hinges on its ability to secure two wins in three days.
For fans eager to witness the action, all games will be broadcast live on ESPN, with regional coverage available on ESPN3 and the NCAA Tournament app. Tickets for the Tallahassee Regional are available through Florida State Athletics, with general admission pricing starting at $15 per game. The university has also announced plans to enhance fan experience with extended parking, shuttle services, and special pre-game activities.
Team Preview: Florida State’s Path to the Regional
Florida State’s softball team enters the postseason with a 35-21 record, boasting a strong defensive record and clutch performances in late-season victories. Senior shortstop Alexa Mitchell, the team’s leading hitter with a .389 batting average, will be a key offensive weapon. Meanwhile, the Seminoles’ pitching staff—led by Emily Cole, who has a 2.18 ERA in conference play—will need to dominate to advance past higher-seeded opponents.
One of Florida State’s strengths this season has been its ability to rally in high-pressure situations. In their last five games, the Seminoles have won four, including a dramatic 5-4 victory over Georgia in extra innings. Coach Jones has emphasized the team’s mental toughness, stating in a recent press conference, “We’ve worked hard to be ready for moments like this. The postseason is where you separate the good teams from the great ones.”
How to Watch: Live Streams, Broadcasts, and Ticket Info
The Tallahassee Regional will feature three games over three days, with the following schedule:
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | TV/Radio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, May 23 | 6:00 PM | No. 8 Ole Miss vs. No. 1 Oklahoma State | ESPN |
| Friday, May 24 | 1:00 PM | No. 9 Florida State vs. Winner (Ole Miss/OSU) | ESPN3 |
| Saturday, May 25 | 12:00 PM | No. 7 Georgia vs. No. 2 Alabama | ESPN |
| Sunday, May 26 | 1:00 PM | No. 9 Florida State vs. Winner (Georgia/Alabama) | ESPN3 |
For those attending in person, gates at Florida State’s softball field will open 90 minutes prior to each game. The university has also partnered with local vendors to offer concessions, including Seminole-themed snacks and merchandise. Parking is available at the Doak Campbell Stadium lot, with shuttles running to the field.
What’s Next for Florida State
If Florida State advances past the regional, they’ll face the winner of the Super Regionals, where the top four seeds from each regional compete. The Seminoles’ next potential opponent would be determined by their performance in Tallahassee, with the Super Regionals set to begin May 31. Coach Jones has framed the regional as a critical step toward the program’s long-term goals, including a potential return to the Women’s College World Series.
As the Seminoles prepare for their first postseason action in five years, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Florida State can build on its momentum. With a mix of veteran leadership and rising talent, the team has the pieces to make a deep run—but success will depend on execution under pressure.
Share your predictions for Florida State’s regional run in the comments, and follow along for live updates on FSU Athletics and ESPN.
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