Softball team hits road needing one win to go to postseason

The Eastern Florida State College softball team looks to clinch a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2019 on Saturday afternoon.

The Titans are currently fifth in the conference standings and need one win on the road to make the state tournament, playing a doubleheader at the State College of Florida, Manatee beginning at 1 p.m.

Eastern Florida State College comes into the final games of the regular season 21-21 in the Citrus Conference and have a two-game lead on sixth place Seminole State College.

The team comes into the doubleheader hitting .360 which is third in Region 8 and is led by freshman McKenzie Jewell who is hitting .399 with 18 doubles, three triples and three home runs and has a nine-game hitting streak. The 18 doubles is fifth in the state. Teammate Livie Davis is hitting .397 with 12 doubles, eight triples and three home runs. The eight triples is tied for first in Region 8 and is tied for fifth in the nation.

Freshman Hannah Strickland comes into the contest with a 2.99 ERA and has 102 strikeouts in 142 2/3 innings this season. Strickland is 15-5 in 25 starts for the Titans.

SCF-Manatee starting pitcher Julianna Stachowicz is third in Region 8 with a 1.55 ERA with 153 strikeouts in 144 2/3 innings. Offensively, the Manatees are led by sophomore Alissa Kessler is hitting .333 with 16 doubles and has driven in 41 runs this season.

The state tournament will begin May 8 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater.