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FSU softball heads to Norman to face Oklahoma in Women's College World Series rematch

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·4 min read
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Florida State softball left Tallahassee Wednesday morning and is en route to Norman, Oklahoma for its 10th NCAA Super Regional appearance in 11 seasons.

The Seminoles' postseason foe, the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners, will be waiting for them at Love's Field on Thursday at 7 p.m.

To continue its path to the Women's College World Series, the Seminoles must take out the seven-time defending champs that are in search of its fourth straight title.

Thursday's Super Regionals will be a rematch of last year's World Series and the 2021 season. It will also be the second time in school history that FSU traveled to play in Norman.

FSU won its home regional last week after going 3-0 against Chattanooga, UCF, and Auburn. While for Oklahoma, it defeated Cleveland State in its regional opener and then beat Oregon twice.

FSU softball head coach Lonni Alameda returns to face her former team

OU coach Patty Gasso and FSU coach Lonni Alameda talk after OU won the Women's College World Series finals between Oklahoma (OU) and Florida State at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
OU coach Patty Gasso and FSU coach Lonni Alameda talk after OU won the Women's College World Series finals between Oklahoma (OU) and Florida State at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Before her prolific coaching career, FSU coach Lonni Alameda was once a Boomer Sooner.

For the second time in her 15 years at FSU, Alameda will be making her return to Norman to face her alma mater.

After starting her college career at St. Mary's University, an NAIA school, she transferred to OU from 1989-92. Alameda played softball and volleyball for the Sooners. She was a two-time All-Big Eight selection as an infielder.

"When you have that super cool connection with your fanbase and your community, the support comes," Alameda said. "The administration saw that at Oklahoma, and they really poured in, and it is really special."

Alameda used that same connection and mindset for 15 years at FSU after replacing JoAnne Graf. She is also pleased with the growth of the sport since her playing when she replayed at a recreational field.

"Just finding the love and the passion for the game, and I think that is definitely what brought me here, and I know Coach (JoAnne) Graf felt that same connection and we were able to blossom it," Alameda said.

Alameda and the rest of the Seminoles look forward to playing at Love's Field for the first time. Love's Field is the new softball home for the Sooners after playing 15 years at Marita Hynes Field.

"I'm excited to see the field," Alameda said. "It looks great on TV. I'm really excited to see the group play there. They are a great ball club and it's going to be a really good opportunity for them. "

Senior Allison Royalty ruled out, pitching staff a concern for FSU

Jun 7, 2023; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Florida State Seminoles pitcher Allison Royalty (5) throws a pitch in the sixth inning against the Oklahoma Sooners during game one of the Women's College World Series finals at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. Oklahoma won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2023; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Florida State Seminoles pitcher Allison Royalty (5) throws a pitch in the sixth inning against the Oklahoma Sooners during game one of the Women's College World Series finals at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. Oklahoma won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

The pitching staff for FSU has been night and day all season long.

One thing Alameda cannot afford is one of her starters going down.

The Seminoles will be without their senior pitcher, Allison Royalty, for the remainder of the tournament, as confirmed by Alameda. Royalty was shaken up in her last game against Auburn when she came in as the relief pitcher.

"That's a little tough one for us," Alameda said about Royalty. "She's going to be fighting in the dugout for everyone and getting after it, so we're really excited."

Royalty has missed time due to a significant injury sustained during the regular season. However, FSU has battled injuries from some of its key players all year.

With Royalty out, the Seminoles could be down two starting pitchers. Sophomore Makenna Reid hasn't played since April 21 and is uncertain when she will make her return.

"It's unfortunate to be bandaged up and kind of banged up in the circle, but these guys have been fighting all season long in the circle, and these guys behind them and offensively get after it," Alameda said. "I just think we just got what we got, and that has been our mindset all year back in February."

Alameda must depend on her two freshmen, Ashtyn Danley and Mimi Gooden. Granted, the two have been battled-tested all season. Alameda is confident enough that her first-year starting pitchers will get through the rest of the tournament.

"I don't think you come here to put your toe in the water to see and see what the temperature is like in your first year," Alameda said. "You only get four years to play, and they want to get after it."

How to watch No. 15 FSU softball at No. 2 Oklahoma

Who: No. 18 FSU (46-14, 19-5 ACC) vs. No. 2 Oklahoma (52-6, 22-5 in Big 12)

Where: Thursday, 7 p.m. at Love's Field, Norman, Okla.

TV/Radio: ESPN 2

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU softball gets WCWS rematch against OU in NCAA Softball Tournament