Florida State University’s softball team, ranked seventh nationally, secured a 12-3 win over Iowa in five innings on Friday at JoAnne Graf Field. The game ended with a walk-off grand slam by Shelby McKenzie, marking her first career grand slam and just her third home run as a Seminole.
The Seminoles started strong in the first inning when Marin Heller reached base on a walk and later scored on a sacrifice fly from McKenzie. In the second inning, Makenna Sturgis advanced to second after Isa Torres singled. Heller’s grounder resulted in an error that allowed Sturgis to score. Jaysoni Beachum then hit a three-run homer to center field, extending Florida State’s lead to 5-0.
In the third inning, six Florida State players reached base and three more runs were added. Bella Ruggiero, pinch-running for Anna Hinde who had doubled, scored after another fielder’s choice from Sturgis. A ball hit by Torres led to another Iowa error, allowing Hayley Griggs and Angelee Bueno to score and bring the total to 8-0.
Pitcher Ashtyn Danley made her season debut with three innings pitched, four strikeouts, and one hit allowed to earn the win. Makenna Reid entered in relief in the fourth inning but gave up three runs on two doubles as Iowa got on the scoreboard. Reid then held Iowa scoreless in the fifth.
In their final at-bat, Florida State loaded the bases with Sturgis doubling, Heller being hit by a pitch, and Beachum drawing a walk. McKenzie followed with her walk-off grand slam for the run-rule victory.
According to Florida State records, this was their first meeting against Iowa in Tallahassee. The Seminoles improved their all-time record against Iowa to 7-3 and have now won 31 of 36 games played in the JoAnne Graf Classic tournament.
McKenzie’s five RBIs set a new personal best for her collegiate career and are also the most by any Seminole since Jahni Kerr recorded six RBIs on April 13, 2025. Her grand slam is also the team’s first since Kerr’s last year.
Beachum notched her 33rd multi-RBI game and hit her 28th career home run; she is now four homers away from entering Florida State’s top ten for career home runs.
Defensively, Florida State turned two double plays during the game—one each in the third and fifth innings—a feat they accomplished only three times throughout last season.
Florida State will continue play at home against Marshall on Saturday as part of the JoAnne Graf Classic tournament. Both games will be broadcast live on ACCNX starting at 3:00 pm and again at 5:30 pm.
