Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF Seminoles!

Yet again we are loaded - there is a ton going on.

Here’s what’s in store for today:

🏀 Comeback Queens: Discover how the FSU Women's Basketball team overcame Pittsburgh with a strong fourth quarter to secure a 76-60 victory.

🥎 Softball Season Opener: Read about the Seminoles' narrow defeat in an extra-innings thriller against Charlotte in their season opener.

🏌️‍♂️ Men's Golf at Amer Ari: Learn about the FSU Men's Golf team's strong start at the Amer Ari Invitational, finishing the day tied for sixth place.

🏌️‍♂️ Record-Breaking Round: Cristobal Del Solar, FSU Golf alum, sets a new record with a 57 at the Korn Ferry Tour's Astara Golf Championship.

🏈 Super Bowl Seminole: Derrick Nnadi aims for his third Super Bowl ring as the Chiefs face the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

🏊‍♂️ Swimming and Diving Postseason: The FSU teams are set to start their postseason at the Auburn First Chance Invitational.

🎾 Women's Tennis Doubleheader: Get the scoop on the FSU Women's Tennis team hosting UAB and Georgia State in a weekend doubleheader.

🏈 Recruitment Update: FSU is working to flip blue-chip WR Dallas Wilson from Oregon to the Seminoles.

🏀 Seminoles Secure Victory Over Pittsburgh in Fierce Comeback

In a thrilling Thursday night matchup at the Petersen Events Center, the Florida State Women's Basketball team showcased resilience and skill, overcoming a strong comeback attempt by Pittsburgh to clinch a 76-60 road win. This victory not only highlighted the Seminoles' tenacity but also their strategic prowess in critical moments of the game.

Timpson's Double-Double Dominance Junior forward Makayla Timpson was a standout performer, securing her 11th double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Tasked with containing Pitt's Liatu King, who had a strong showing of 21 points and 15 boards, Timpson's defensive efforts were crucial in limiting King's efficiency on the floor.

Bench Power Propels FSU The Seminoles' depth was on full display as their bench outscored Pitt's 28-7, marking FSU's highest bench point tally in ACC play this season. Freshman Carla Viegas shone brightly, hitting a career-high five 3-pointers on her way to 17 points, tying with Sara Bejedi for the season's highest 3-pointers made in a game.

Team Effort in Critical Win Sophomore Ta'Niya Latson contributed significantly with 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while graduate guard Alexis Tucker's early scoring spree provided the initial spark FSU needed. The Seminoles demonstrated their offensive might, leading by as much as 25 points before halftime, their largest lead in ACC play this season.

Despite Pittsburgh's valiant third-quarter rally, FSU's strategic timeout and subsequent scoring run, highlighted by Timpson's layup and free throws, reestablished their dominance, leading to a comfortable win.

Looking Ahead Now standing at 17-7 overall and 8-4 in the ACC, the Seminoles are set to host No. 12 Notre Dame in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday at Noon. The game, dubbed FSU's Paint it Pink game, aims to raise breast cancer awareness, with fans encouraged to wear pink in support.

🥎 Seminoles Narrowly Miss Victory in Season Opener Against Charlotte

In a thrilling season opener that stretched into extra innings, the fourth-ranked Florida State softball team faced a narrow defeat against Charlotte, ending the game 6-5 after 10 innings at the Seminole Softball Complex. Despite the setback, the Seminoles showcased resilience and a promising start to their season.

Early Game Dynamics Charlotte took an initial lead with two extra-base hits in the first inning. However, FSU quickly responded in the second inning when Amaya Ross drew a walk, stole second, and then scored off Jaysoni Beachum's single, marking Beachum's successful first collegiate at-bat. The momentum continued as Isa Torres and Kaley Mudge advanced the play, setting the stage for Jahni Kerr to drive in two runs, giving FSU a 3-1 lead.

Back-and-Forth Scoring The game saw several lead changes, with Charlotte tying the game at 3-3 in the fifth inning. FSU regained the lead through Michaela Edenfield and Kalei Harding's efforts, only for Charlotte to close the gap and eventually tie the game at 5-5, pushing the match into extra innings.

Extra Innings Drama The extended game saw FSU's first season opener go into extra frames since 2012. A controversial call after a review negated what could have been the winning run for FSU, highlighting the game's intense competition.

Pitching Highlights Emma Wilson started in the circle for FSU, marking her first start since May 2022, and was later relieved by Makenna Reid and newcomer Ashtyn Danley. Wilson returned to pitch a career-high 6.2 innings, showcasing the depth and talent of FSU's pitching staff.

Looking Ahead FSU is set to face Charlotte again on Friday, with hopes of avenging their narrow loss. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be available to stream on ACC Network Extra, offering the Seminoles a chance to bounce back early in the season.

🏌️‍♂️ FSU Men's Golf Makes Strong Start at Amer Ari Invitational

The No. 12 Florida State Men's Golf team showcased their skills in the first round of the Amer Ari Invitational, finishing the day tied for sixth place with a score of 15-under (273). Competing at the Mauna Lani North Course in Waimea, Hawaii, the Seminoles are in the mix among a highly competitive field.

Standout Performances:

• Freshman Tyler Weaver led the charge for FSU, tying for fifth with a remarkable 7-under (65), featuring an eagle and six birdies.

• Sophomore Luke Clanton also impressed, tying for 12th at 5-under (67) with six birdies of his own.

• Senior Frederik Kjettrup and sophomore Jack Bingham contributed solid rounds, tying for 49th and 65th, respectively.

• Redshirt senior Cole Anderson and junior Michael Mays, playing individually, added to FSU's strong showing.

As the tournament progresses, the Seminoles look to climb higher on the leaderboard. The second round kicks off Friday morning, promising more exciting golf action from FSU.

🏌️‍♂️ FSU Golf Alum Cristobal Del Solar Sets Record at Korn Ferry Tour

Cristobal Del Solar, a distinguished alum of Florida State Men's Golf, etched his name into the history books with a groundbreaking performance at the Korn Ferry Tour's Astara Golf Championship. Del Solar's first-round score of 57, a 13-under par, is now the lowest round ever recorded in a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event.

A Historic Achievement:

• Del Solar's 57 surpasses the previous record of 58, shared by Stephan Jaeger and Jim Furyk.

• His remarkable round included nine birdies, two eagles, and seven pars, concluding with a birdie on the 15th hole and steady pars on the final three.

From Seminole to Record Setter:

• During his tenure at FSU (2013-2017), Del Solar achieved All-ACC honors twice and was named a GCAA All-American in 2017.

• Post-graduation, Del Solar has competed on PGA TOUR Latinoamerica and PGA TOUR Canada, securing his Korn Ferry Tour card for the 2022-23 season.

🏈 FSU's Derrick Nnadi Eyes Third Super Bowl Ring

Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City Chiefs' defensive tackle and a proud Florida State University alum, is on the brink of securing his third Super Bowl ring as the Chiefs face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Nnadi's remarkable journey in the NFL has been marked by consistent excellence and significant achievements.

A Seminole on the Super Bowl Stage:

• Nnadi, an FSU letterman from 2014-2017, earned All-ACC honors in his final three seasons with the Seminoles.

• His fourth Super Bowl appearance in six NFL seasons places him alongside JT Thomas as the only FSU alumni to reach this milestone.

• A victory for Kansas City would make Nnadi the second FSU player to win three Super Bowl rings, a testament to his impact on the field.

FSU's Super Bowl Legacy:

• Nnadi's participation continues FSU's streak of having alumni representation in 12 consecutive Super Bowls, contributing to a total of 42 out of 58 Super Bowls.

• FSU alumni have collectively appeared in 95 Super Bowls, securing 49 rings, underscoring the university's significant contribution to professional football.

A Tradition of Excellence:

• Florida State stands among eight college programs with multiple Super Bowl MVPs, highlighting the university's history of producing talent that excels on football's biggest stage.
  

🏊‍♂️ FSU Swimming and Diving Teams Set for Postseason Start

The No.16/RV Florida State swimming and diving teams are gearing up for their postseason journey, starting with the Auburn First Chance Invitational at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center from Feb. 9-10. This meet marks the beginning of a highly anticipated postseason, featuring competition against top-ranked teams.

A Competitive Field Awaits:

• Alongside FSU, participants include No.10/15 Auburn, No. 19/17 Alabama, No. 24/NR Georgia Tech, and NCAA Division III powerhouse No.2/3 Emory.

• The event will showcase timed finals across a range of swimming and diving disciplines.

FSU's Goals and Expectations:

• Head coach Neal Studd expressed optimism about the team's progress and aims for NCAA qualifying times and personal bests.

• The event schedule includes a mix of relay and individual events, with diving competitions against Auburn and Georgia Tech.

Event Highlights:

• Friday's session begins at 10 a.m., featuring events like the 200 free relay and 500 free, with diving starting at 12 p.m.

• Saturday continues the action at 10 a.m., concluding with the 1650 free at 11:15 a.m., and platform diving at 11:30 a.m.

Rankings and Recognition:

• The men's team maintains its No.16 ranking, while the women's team also received votes in the latest CSCAA poll, highlighting FSU's strong presence in collegiate swimming and diving.

🎾 FSU Women's Tennis Set for Home Doubleheader

The Florida State women's tennis team is gearing up for a busy weekend, hosting UAB and Georgia State in a doubleheader at the Scott Speicher Tennis Center. With a balanced start to the season, the Seminoles aim to leverage their home-court advantage and build on their early successes.

Season Snapshot:

• The Seminoles hold a 2-2 record, with a perfect 1-0 mark at home.

• Senior Ellie Schoppe shines in singles, boasting a 3-0 record, including a victory over a top-23 opponent. Schoppe holds national rankings of No. 37 in singles and No. 45 in doubles with partner Maelie Monfils.

• Millie Bissett and Vic Allen also make a strong doubles pair, ranked No. 37, with Allen individually ranked No. 47 in singles.

• Freshman Laura Putz has made a promising start with four total wins, contributing significantly at No. 6 singles.

Upcoming Opponents:

• UAB, standing at 0-5, will face FAMU before taking on FSU, with standout player Adela Wasserbauerova leading the Blazers.

• Georgia State, yet to secure a win this season (0-4), will also compete against FAMU before their match against FSU, featuring freshman Francesca Miglio as a key player.

Match Details:

• The doubleheader is scheduled for Saturday, with matches at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

• Fans can enjoy free admission and follow the action through live stats and video on Seminoles.com.

🏈 FSU Eyes In-State Blue-Chip WR Dallas Wilson

Florida State University is intensifying its recruitment efforts to secure Tampa Bay Tech's four-star wide receiver, Dallas Wilson, currently committed to Oregon. Despite his commitment, Wilson remains open to exploring his options, with FSU emerging as a strong contender for his talents.

FSU's Pursuit:

• Wilson, a top target for the Seminoles, has expressed his affinity for FSU, citing its proximity and appeal as a "hometown team."

• FSU's coaching staff, including wide receivers coach Ron Dugans and head coach Mike Norvell, have made a significant impression on Wilson with their straightforward and engaging approach.

Recent Impressions:

• Wilson's last visit to see the Seminoles was during their season opener against LSU in Orlando, where FSU's dynamic wide receiver performance caught his eye.

• Planning future visits, Wilson aims to return to FSU and also explore Florida and Auburn, indicating his recruitment remains wide open.

On the Field:

• Wilson has demonstrated exceptional talent, with notable stats over the past two seasons, including a combined total of 89 receptions for 1,746 yards and 19 touchdowns.

• Ranked as the nation's No. 32 overall prospect and No. 5 wide receiver, Wilson's potential addition to FSU's roster could significantly bolster the Seminoles' offensive lineup.

And that’s a wrap!

From record-breaking performances to postseason preparations, the Seminole spirit shines bright across all sports.

Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, whether on the field, court, or in the pool, FSU continues to strive for excellence.

Until next time, keep the Seminole pride alive and Go Noles!