In a dramatic conclusion to the 2024 NCAA Softball Tallahassee Regional, the Auburn Tigers faced off against the Florida State Seminoles in a high-stakes elimination game. The Tigers, having battled through the loser’s bracket with resilience, aimed to upset the 15th-seeded Seminoles and extend their postseason run. However, a late-game surge by Florida State sealed Auburn’s fate, ending their season with a 10-4 loss.
Auburn entered the regional final with momentum, having secured back-to-back victories against Chattanooga and UCF in a grueling doubleheader that extended into the early hours of Sunday morning. Their perseverance set the stage for a showdown with Florida State, a team known for its postseason prowess.
The game commenced with Auburn taking an early lead in the second inning. Capitalizing on a double and a pair of walks, the Tigers loaded the bases. Nelia Peralta then delivered a clutch two-out single through the right side, driving in two runs and giving Auburn a 2-0 advantage. This early success showcased Auburn’s offensive potential and set a competitive tone for the game.
Florida State responded swiftly in the top of the third inning. After a walk and a single placed runners on base, Michaela Edenfield stepped up and launched a towering three-run homer over center field. This pivotal hit not only erased Auburn’s lead but also marked Edenfield’s 15th home run of the season, tying her for the team lead and moving her to fourth on Florida State’s all-time home run list.
The game remained tightly contested through the middle innings. Auburn managed to tie the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the fifth, thanks to an RBI single by Annabelle Widra. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the top of the sixth inning. Florida State loaded the bases with no outs, prompting Auburn to bring in their ace, Maddie Penta. Penta struck out the first two batters, but a bases-loaded walk to Kaley Mudge gave the Seminoles a 4-3 lead. Jaysoni Beachum followed with an infield single, scoring another run. Kalei Harding then delivered a two-run single, extending the lead to 7-3. Isa Torres capped the inning with a three-run homer, her ninth of the season, pushing the score to 10-3.
Auburn attempted a comeback in the bottom of the sixth, with KK McCrary hitting a solo home run, her second of the regional. Despite this effort, the Tigers couldn’t overcome the deficit, and the game concluded with a 10-4 victory for Florida State.
The loss marked the end of an era for Auburn softball. Head coach Mickey Dean, who announced his departure after the season, concluded his tenure with a 235-130 record over seven seasons, including six NCAA Tournament appearances. The game also signified the final collegiate appearances for seniors Maddie Penta, Shelby Lowe, and Makayla Packer. Penta, in particular, leaves a lasting legacy with a 76-36 career record, a 1.79 ERA, and 941 strikeouts over 706 innings pitched.
Florida State’s victory advanced them to the NCAA Super Regionals for the 10th time in 11 seasons. They are set to face Oklahoma in the Norman Super Regional, a rematch of the previous year’s national championship series. The Seminoles’ performance, highlighted by their explosive sixth inning, demonstrated their resilience and offensive depth, key factors as they continue their postseason journey.
In summary, the elimination game between Auburn and Florida State was a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of postseason softball. While Auburn’s season ended in disappointment, their determination and the individual achievements of their players will be remembered. Florida State’s triumph, fueled by timely hitting and strategic plays, propels them forward with confidence as they pursue a national title.
