The No. 8 Florida State Seminoles softball team put on a dominant display on Friday, crushing the Boston College Eagles 10-0 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Leading the charge was pitcher Jazzy Francik, who delivered her second no-hitter in as many weeks—and her third of the season—allowing just one base runner over six innings as FSU secured the run-rule victory.
Francik was in complete control from the first pitch, striking out six batters and allowing very little solid contact while throwing just 67 pitches. Her only blemish came in the fifth inning when a flyball fell just behind the circle, with teammates Jaysoni Beachum and Isa Torres unable to make the catch. It was a rare moment of vulnerability in an otherwise flawless outing.
This latest gem follows Francik's no-hitter against Georgia Tech last Friday and another to start the season against Samford. She is the first FSU pitcher to throw three no-hitters in a season since Sarah Hamilton in 2010, and now has four in her career—three of which have come against ACC opponents. At this rate, every time Francik steps into the circle, fans have reason to believe something special is about to happen.
The Seminoles (44-8, 19-3 ACC) are now just one win away from clinching at least a share of the ACC regular season championship, and a sweep would give them the title outright. Their offense provided plenty of support, starting in the second inning when Bella Ruggiero led off with a single and stole second. Shelby McKenzie drew a one-out walk, putting runners on the corners for freshman Hayley Griggs, who delivered an RBI double. Makenna Sturgis followed with a two-RBI double before the inning ended on a lineout double play.
FSU blew the game open in the fourth inning. Kennedy Harp led off with a single, and after a two-out walk to Griggs, Boston College seemed poised to escape. But Torres and Beachum crushed back-to-back doubles to make it 6-0, forcing a pitching change. The new arm didn't fare much better, as Ashtyn Danley singled home Beachum to push the lead to 7-0.
The Seminoles added more insurance in the sixth inning when Griggs singled and scored on a bunt by Sturgis, with the throw sailing into the outfield. Torres followed with a double and came around to score, capping off a complete team performance that had FSU looking every bit like a national title contender.
Whether you're a Seminoles fan or just love watching greatness on the diamond, performances like Francik's remind us why softball is one of the most exciting sports to follow. And for those looking to rep their favorite team or player, there's no better time to gear up in FSU colors and celebrate a season that keeps getting better.