The Rattlers traveled to Alabama Thursday Feb. 8 to play in the 2018 Sand Dollar Collegiate Softball Classic. There, the Rattlers were scheduled to play a total of five games at the Gulf Shore Sportsplex.
The Rattlers were led by Coach Veronica Wiggins, making this her 27th season with FAMU. Wiggins was honored last year for her 700 career wins.
The first game of the tournament was off to a rough start, with FAMU scoring 0-6 against Ole Miss Thursday at the 7 p.m. game.
Mackenzie Woodward and Tyra Bowers were the only hits for FAMU, with Hera Varmah’s hit in the third inning for FAMU’s only run.
The loss didn’t keep the team down though.
“It was a good game it’s exciting to know we still have so much more to show this season.” said Outfielder Alexis Day.
The Rattlers turned it around and earned a win that Friday after defeating Georgia Tech 8-6.
“It was a total team effort. My team put up a lot of runs and played solid defense.” said Senior Pitcher Veronica Burse.
During the game, FAMU scored five home runs to lead 6-0 thanks to runs batted in by Woodard, Bowers, and Edrienne Williams who earned a two-run double.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets answered with three scores of their own, but it was Burse who got the win for FAMU with three strikeouts and scattering eight hits.
“They allowed me to relax so I was able to keep their batters off balance. It was a true team win.” said Burse.
FAMU dropped again later that Friday against Virginia Tech where the team scored 19-1 in five innings.
Games for Saturday against Lipscomb and Alabama at noon and 3 p.m. respectfully were postponed due to the inclement weather.
“With this team if we want it, all we have to do is go out and get.” said Day.
Next week, FAMU will face off against Florida State on Wednesday at the JoAnne Graf Stadium at 6 p.m. The rattlers will then travel to Orlando for the UCF Tournament.