FSU softball comes from behind, beats FAU in 9-5 win

Seminoles bounce back from loss, hold off Owls

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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No. 9 Florida State softball faced off against upset-minded FAU on Friday, coming back from a 4-1 deficit and staving off the Owls to secure a 9-5 win. The Seminoles struggled early but rallied in the fourth inning, scoring five runs to take the lead. FSU added two more runs in the fifth and seventh innings to seal the victory.

Why it matters

This win helps Florida State bounce back after a close loss to Texas Tech to open the Shriners Clearwater Invitational. The Seminoles are a top-10 team looking to make a deep postseason run, so this comeback victory against a scrappy FAU squad demonstrates their resilience and ability to win close games.

The details

FSU starter Ashtyn Danley struggled early, giving up four runs in the second inning to put the Seminoles in a 4-1 hole. But the offense came alive in the fourth, with Hayley Griggs, Makenna Sturgis, and Isa Torres all driving in runs to tie the game. Danley then hit a go-ahead home run in the fifth, and Sturgis added a two-run homer in the seventh to provide insurance. Jazzy Francik came in to pitch 4.2 strong innings in relief to secure the win.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 14, 2026 as part of the Shriners Clearwater Invitational.
  • FSU fell behind 4-1 in the bottom of the second inning.

The players

Ashtyn Danley

The starting pitcher for Florida State, who struggled early but hit a go-ahead home run in the fifth inning to give the Seminoles the lead.

Hayley Griggs

The Florida State outfielder who hit a triple and a double to drive in runs and help the Seminoles rally.

Jazzy Francik

The Florida State relief pitcher who came in and pitched 4.2 strong innings to secure the win for the Seminoles.

Makenna Sturgis

The Florida State infielder who hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to provide insurance for the Seminoles.

FAU

The Florida Atlantic University softball team, who jumped out to an early 4-1 lead but were unable to hold off the Seminoles' comeback.

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What they’re saying

“This was a big win for us after a tough loss yesterday. The team showed a lot of fight to come back from behind and get the victory.”

— Ashtyn Danley, Florida State Pitcher (tomahawknation.com)

What’s next

Florida State will look to build on this comeback win when they face off against UCLA on Saturday as part of the Shriners Clearwater Invitational.

The takeaway

Florida State's ability to rally from an early deficit and secure a 9-5 victory over FAU demonstrates the Seminoles' resilience and offensive firepower, which will be crucial as they continue their quest for a deep postseason run.