The University of Georgia is back in the softball Super Regional facing Florida State. Georgia softball has a strong history, and this year marks its 21st consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament, with 12 Super Regional appearances.
Georgia will be going up against the No. 3 ranked team, Florida State, boasting an impressive record of 53-9. The series will be a best-of-three showdown taking place in Tallahassee, with the winner advancing to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Nonetheless, Georgia brings a strong team of their own to the contest. In fact, this may be the most potent offensive lineup the Bulldogs have ever had. They lead the SEC in five offensive categories and rank among the top three teams nationwide in home runs, RBI, and team batting average.
The Bulldogs' lineup features certified sluggers in Jayda Kearney, who boasts a .377 batting average and 19 home runs, and Sara Moseley, hitting .360 with 17 home runs. However, Sydney Chambley, the ninth hitter in the lineup, stole the show during the NCAA Athens Regional, hitting four home runs, including a grand slam, and driving in 13 runs. Chambley's outstanding performance at the plate propelled the Bulldogs to a dominant 32-6 victory over Virginia Tech and N.C. Central in the three games.
Florida State, on the other hand, possesses one of the best pitching staffs in college softball. Fifth-year senior Kathryn "Kat" Sandercock, the ACC pitcher of the year, recently demonstrated her prowess by throwing a perfect game in a crucial match against South Carolina, requiring only 59 pitches to secure a 1-0 win.
However, the Bulldogs have their own formidable pitchers. Led by graduate Shelby Waters, with an 18-5 record and an impressive 1.45 ERA, and supported by second-team hurler Madison Kerpics, who boasts a 19-6 record with a 2.40 ERA, Georgia has a strong pitching staff capable of delivering when needed.
The Seminoles have been a formidable opponent in previous NCAA tournaments for Georgia. The two teams have faced each other nine times in the tournament, more than any other matchup, with Georgia trailing in the series with a 4-5 record. Florida State has eliminated the Bulldogs from both the 2018 WCWS and the 2017 NCAA tournament, creating a sense of rivalry between the teams.
Looking at Georgia's overall postseason record, they have an impressive resume, with 80 wins and 43 losses. The team has made 21 regional appearances and 12 Super Regional appearances and has secured five berths in the WCWS.
First pitch of Game 1 is Thursday, May 25th, at 7 pm on ESPN 2.
