Florida A&M University’s softball team was upended by Florida State University 8-1 Tuesday.
FAMU took the early lead on the Seminoles in the bottom of the first inning. Freshman infielder Kiauna Watson led off with a single to right that was followed by a wall-banging double off the bat of junior Nyah Morgan to jump on FSU 1-0.
In the top of the third inning, the Seminoles took the lead with a two-run home run. FSU went on to score six unanswered runs during the last four innings of the game.
FAMU junior outfielder Mia Blasingane anchored the Rattlers defensively in centerfield, recording multiple putouts along with junior shortstop Destiny Cuevas. FAMU committed two errors in the game.
Watson led the way for the Rattlers. She had two base hits which were half of the Rattlers’ total for the game. She also notched the lone run of the ball game for the orange and green. That brings her batting average up to .257 for the early part of the season.
Right-handed pitcher Nadia Zenteno took the mound for the Rattlers. Zenteno turned in seven innings of work, spreading out eight hits against the Seminoles. Tuesday’s loss dropped Zenteno’s record to 0-3 for the season.
FAMU head coach Constance Orr commented on Florida State’s talented group. FSU is undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the nation.
“It’s a great lineup. They’re tough to pitch to, tough to play against. They never let up,” Orr told the Tallahassee Democrat.
Orr also spoke on her team’s mindset when facing a competitive team such as FSU.
“As long as our girls don’t let up and keep competing, that’s all I care about,” Orr told the Democrat.
FSU was the runner-up in the Women’s College Softball World Series in the 2021 season.
The loss on Tuesday night concluded a two-game series with the Seminoles. The Rattlers competed in a “home and home” series against their cross-town rivals in which each team hosted the other on their home campus.
It’s the first time FSU played on FAMU’s campus since 2015.
“I love that they came over here and they returned the favor for us. I hope to have that in the future,” Orr said.
The Rattlers were defeated at Florida State’s JoAnne Graf Softball Complex on Feb. 23, 8-3.
FAMU will be playing in five games at a USF Tournament in Tampa. This marks the last non-conference weekend before the Rattlers compete in their inaugural season in the SWAC.
The Rattlers will be back in action at home against Furman University on March 9.