The Ohio State softball team officially commenced its 2024 season at the Felsberg Invitational at FIU in Florida. The opening weekend showcased impressive performances in both offense and pitching, highlighted by a standout debut from a talented freshman.
On Friday, the Buckeyes played five games, with a narrow loss to Stony Brook in the first match. Despite a late home run from Melina Wilkison, Ohio State fell 7-5. However, the team rebounded with a victory against FIU in the second game, where freshman catcher Jasmyn Burns hit her first collegiate home run. Senior Allison Smith’s stellar pitching, including 11 strikeouts, contributed to the 7-5 win.
Saturday turned out to be a standout day for the Buckeyes, dominating Southeast Missouri State with a 13-0 win in five innings. Jasmyn Burns, once again, played a pivotal role with a grand slam. The team’s second game on Saturday saw revenge against Stony Brook, with senior Emily Ruck pitching her third collegiate no-hitter, securing a 9-0 win.
On Sunday, Ohio State faced FIU again and secured a hard-fought 7-5 victory. Burns continued her impressive weekend with another home run, showcasing the team’s resilience early in the season.
Statistically, the Buckeyes demonstrated their prowess with a .406 team batting average and a .466 on-base percentage over five games. Six players hitting .400 or better, with standout performances from Hannah Church (.600 average) and Jasmyn Burns (.412 average, 1.000 slugging percentage, three home runs). Pitcher Allison Smith maintained a 3-0 record, pitching 17.1 innings and striking out 20 batters, while the team collectively excelled with runners in scoring position and with two outs.
The Buckeyes are set for another five-game series in Leesburg, Florida, this weekend, starting with a matchup against Coastal Carolina on Friday at noon.