Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF Nole family!

It’s St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, our Noles will be donning their turqoise uniforms today and tomorrow, and multiple undefeated squads in action.

Here’s the docket for you:

🥎 FSU Softball's ACC Showdown with Duke

The No. 18 FSU softball team prepares for an epic clash against No. 4 Duke, marking their ACC opener with alumni celebrations and high hopes for St. Patrick’s Day no-hitter luck.

🍁 FSU Baseball's Undefeated Streak Heads into ACC Play

Unbeaten FSU baseball faces Notre Dame, testing their perfect record against the backdrop of Coach Jarrett’s past ties and exciting weekend promotions.

🏀 Seminoles' ACC Tournament Journey Ends Against Top-Seeded Tar Heels

Despite standout performances, the Seminoles’ ACC Tournament aspirations were dashed by North Carolina, highlighting key moments and insights from the matchup.

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball NCAA Tournament Selection Celebration

FSU Women's Basketball gears up for an 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament selection, inviting fans for a celebration and autograph session at the Tucker Center.

🏃‍♂️ FSU Track and Field Splits for Season Start

FSU’s outdoor track and field teams split their talents across two venues, eyeing strong starts to the season following impressive indoor performances.

🏐 Seminoles Set Sights on East vs. West Tournament

The undefeated No. 4 FSU beach volleyball team heads to California for the East vs. West Tournament, facing top national teams in a test of their perfect record.

🏈 Cornerback Prospect Dallas Golden Eyes FSU Visit

Highly touted cornerback Dallas Golden charts a course through key visits, with FSU in the mix for an impactful spring encounter during Legacy Weekend.

🥎 FSU Softball's ACC Showdown with Duke

This weekend, the No. 18 FSU softball team faces a formidable challenge as they host the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils for their ACC opener at JoAnne Graf Field.

Fans are in for a treat with games set for prime viewing on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., and a Sunday noon showdown, all streamed live on ACC Network Extra.

Weekend of Nostalgia and Triumph:

• Alumni Weekend: The Seminole community will embrace its storied past, welcoming 40 former players back to JoAnne Graf Field, blending tradition with the present squad's ambitions.

• 2014 WCWS Team Honors: Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Coach Alameda's first WCWS team, the 2014 squad that rebounded spectacularly from a heavy loss to Michigan, securing their WCWS spot with a memorable walk-off homer by Courtney Senas, will be honored.

St. Patrick's Day No-Hitter Tradition?

• On St. Patrick's Day, FSU eyes continuing a unique streak: no-hitters thrown in the last two instances they've played on this day, sparking hopes for another magical performance.

A Decade Dominating the ACC:

• With eight ACC Tournament Championships and seven Regular Season titles in the last nine years, FSU has been the undisputed ruler of ACC softball, boasting an enviable series record and a near-impenetrable fortress at JoAnne Graf Field.

Facing the Gauntlet:

• FSU's softball schedule is a crucible, with the team set to battle five top-15 teams consecutively at home, a rare feat that underscores the program's resilience and competitive spirit.

When the Stakes Are High:

• FSU's record against ranked opponents, especially at home, showcases their ability to elevate their game when it matters most, a trait they'll need against the powerhouse Duke team.

Home Sweet Home:

• The Seminole Softball Complex isn't just a venue; it's a bastion where FSU has compiled an impressive record, making it a daunting prospect for any visiting team.

Offensive Juggernaut:

• Leading the ACC with an average of 7.87 runs per game, FSU's offense has been nothing short of explosive, with the team ranking fifth nationally in scoring and 13th in team batting average.

Spotlight Players:

• Amaya Ross's Evolution: Known for her blistering speed, Ross has become a pivotal player, showcasing a phenomenal .667 batting average across six games last weekend and becoming a key player in FSU's offensive lineup.

• Jaysoni Beachum's Stellar Start: Leading the team with a .467 batting average, Beachum's hitting prowess and defensive skills at third base have been instrumental in FSU's strong start.

• Kalei Harding's Impactful Presence: With a batting average of .329, Harding has shown her power at the plate, notably against UCLA and Charlotte, highlighting her ability to change the game with a single swing.

🍁 FSU Baseball's Undefeated Streak Heads into ACC Play

Florida State baseball is riding high with an impeccable 15-0 record as they gear up to host Notre Dame for a thrilling three-game series this weekend at Dick Howser Stadium.

This series is not just a test of FSU's stellar early-season form; it's a collision of past and present with FSU head coach Link Jarrett facing his former team.

Game Schedule and Promotions:

• Friday Night Lights: The series kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m., featuring FSU's Cam Leiter against Notre Dame's Tobey McDonough. Fans can snag a Chick-fil-A coupon, adding an extra treat to the night.

• Saturday Showdown: Jamie Arnold, boasting a flawless ERA, takes the mound for FSU in a mid-afternoon game promising high stakes and intense action.

• St. Patrick's Sunday: The series wraps up with a festive twist, including hidden St. Patrick's Day toys around Howser for lucky fans to find and trade for free popcorn.

Historic Start:

• Tied for the third-best start in FSU history, the team's perfect record includes a recent victory over No. 8 Florida, highlighting their formidable prowess this season.

• As one of the last two undefeated teams in the country, alongside Texas A&M, FSU's performance has been nothing short of spectacular, dominating in nearly every aspect of the game.

Nationally Ranked Excellence:

• FSU shines across the board, ranking in the Top 10 nationally in multiple categories, including batting average, strikeouts per nine innings, and scoring, underscoring their balanced strength in both offense and pitching.

• Individual stars like Jamie Arnold and Cam Smith lead national stats, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.

Notre Dame's Challenge:

• The Fighting Irish, led by former FSU coach Link Jarrett until 2022, face a tough road ahead. Coming off a sweep by Virginia Tech, Notre Dame aims to disrupt FSU's perfect record and make a statement in ACC play.

🏀 Seminoles' ACC Tournament Journey Ends Against Top-Seeded Tar Heels

Florida State's spirited run in the 2024 ACC Tournament came to a halt in the quarterfinals, facing a formidable and top seeded North Carolina team.

Despite valiant efforts and standout performances from Primo Spears, Jamir Watkins, and Jalen Warley, the Seminoles couldn't overcome the No. 1 seed Tar Heels, ending their ACC journey with a 92-67 defeat.

Key Performances and Coach's Insight:

• Primo Spears led FSU with 17 points, showcasing his skill and determination, especially in the second half.

• Jamir Watkins continued his scoring streak, marking his 19th consecutive game in double figures.

• FSU Head Coach Leonard Hamilton praised UNC's strategy and Armando Bacot's standout performance, recognizing the challenge posed by the Tar Heels' aggressive game plan and Bacot's dominance on the court.

Struggles on the Boards:

• A significant disparity in rebounds favored UNC, with a 48-22 advantage, underlining a key area where FSU was outmatched. This discrepancy led to North Carolina capitalizing on second-chance points, further solidifying their control of the game.

Game Dynamics:

• The initial phase saw a competitive FSU, but UNC's momentum built up, leading to a substantial lead by halftime. The Tar Heels' advantage only expanded in the second half, showcasing their depth and scoring ability.

• Despite FSU's defensive efforts, highlighted by 10 steals and six blocks, UNC's balanced attack and efficiency from the field left the Seminoles trailing.

Looking Ahead:

• With the season potentially concluding for FSU, speculation about Coach Hamilton's future and the team's direction next season begins to surface. The Seminoles end the tournament with a 17-16 record, reflecting on a season of highs and lows.

🏀 FSU Women's Basketball NCAA Tournament Selection Celebration

Florida State Women's Basketball is set to mark a significant milestone, celebrating its expected 11th straight NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament selection.

The community is invited to join the festivities at the Tucker Center on Sunday, March 17, where anticipation and team spirit will fill the air as the Selection Show airs.

Event Details and Fan Engagement:

• Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the team signing autographs until the Selection Show begins at 8 p.m., offering fans a unique opportunity to interact with the players.

• The event promises an evening of excitement, showcasing the selection on the Tucker Center's main videoboard, making it a special occasion for fans and the team alike.

Season Highlights:

• With a commendable 23-10 overall record and a 12-6 standing in the highly competitive ACC, FSU's performance this season has been notable. The ACC's depth could see up to nine teams earning bids, highlighting the conference's strength.

• FSU's journey to the ACC Tournament Semifinals, including a victory over 20th-ranked Syracuse, underscores the team's resilience and skill.

• Stars Ta'Niya Latson and Makayla Timpson have led the team with exceptional performances, earning All-ACC First Team honors and contributing to FSU's success with significant wins.

🏃‍♂️ FSU Track and Field Splits for Season Start

Florida State's outdoor track and field teams are gearing up for an exciting season opener, splitting their talent across two events in Florida.

Athletes specializing in throws and distance will head to the Bob Hayes Invitational in Jacksonville, while the sprint and jumps group takes on the Hurricane Invitational in Coral Gables.

Event Highlights:

• Bob Hayes Invitational: The action kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday with the men's hammer throw, promising a day of fierce competition in throwing and distance events. Fans can follow the live results to catch all the action.

• Hurricane Invitational: The sprint and jumps team aims to make a mark starting with the women's long jump at 4 p.m. on Friday. Live timing will be available for those eager to track the Seminoles' performances.

Reflecting on the Indoor Season:

• The Noles wrapped up their indoor season with notable achievements at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championship in Boston, tying for 15th place in the men's category.

• Jeremiah Davis shone brightly, securing second in the long jump and third in the triple jump, marking a stellar end to his indoor season.

• Jordan Turner and David Mullarkey earned second-team All-America honors, with Turner placing 13th in the long jump and Mullarkey 11th in the 3,000 meters.

• On the women's side, Dajaz DeFrand and Shenese Walker made their mark. DeFrand achieved second-team All-America in the 60 and 200, while Walker's fifth-place finish in the 60 garnered her first-team All-America status, the highest for a Nole since 2019.

🏐 Seminoles Set Sights on East vs. West Tournament

The No. 4 Florida State beach volleyball team is gearing up for a significant challenge at the East vs. West Tournament in Manhattan Beach, California.

Holding an impeccable undefeated record, the Seminoles stand as the only team in the AVCA top 20 without a loss this season.

With a stellar 13-0 start, their best since 2021, FSU is poised to test their mettle against some of the nation's elite teams.

Recent Victories:

• Coming off dominant performances against No. 16 FAU and FGCU, the Seminoles showcased their prowess by sweeping both teams without losing a single set. Audrey Koenig and Raelyn White led the charge, securing victories with significant margins.

Tournament Lineup:

• Facing No. 13 Hawaii: Kicking off the tournament against a team with a rocky start but a strong recovery, FSU aims to extend their 9-4 lead in the all-time series.

• Clash with No. 6 Cal: A first-time matchup awaits against Cal, a team with impressive wins this season, adding an exciting layer to FSU's tournament journey.

• Challenge No. 2 UCLA: A rematch of last season's NCAA semifinal, where the Bruins bested the Seminoles, promises a high-stakes confrontation.

• Rounding out against No. 10 LMU: With a favorable historical record, FSU looks to continue their dominance over LMU in a closing battle of the weekend.

Match Schedule:

• The action-packed weekend begins on Friday against Hawaii at 2:30 p.m. ET, followed by a showdown with Cal at 6:00 p.m. The intensity continues on Saturday with matches against UCLA at 12:30 p.m. and LMU at 4:00 p.m.

🏈 Cornerback Prospect Dallas Golden Eyes FSU Visit

Dallas Golden, a highly regarded Top247 cornerback from Berkeley Prep in Florida, is mapping out his visit itinerary with significant interest in several top programs.

Noles247 has gleaned insights into Golden's upcoming travel plans, which include visits to Georgia and Florida State, along with a scheduled official trip to Clemson.

Visit Schedule:

• Georgia Visit: Golden is set to visit Georgia this weekend, marking his first visit to the Bulldogs this year.

• FSU's Legacy Weekend: A trip to Florida State for their Legacy Weekend on March 23 is also on the agenda. This event presents a prime opportunity for FSU to impress Golden.

• Clemson Official Visit: Currently, Golden's only confirmed official visit is to Clemson from May 31 - June 2, following a previous Junior Day visit.

Interest in Notre Dame:

• Notre Dame, having hosted Golden during the winter, is likely to secure an official visit. The Fighting Irish currently lead in Golden's recruitment, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions.

FSU's Early Interest:

• Florida State was the first program to extend a scholarship offer to Golden in May 2022. Since then, FSU has hosted him at least four times, demonstrating their keen interest in securing one of his official visits in the future.

247Sports Ranking:

• Golden is ranked as the nation's No. 83 overall prospect and the No. 8 safety, highlighting his prominence on the national recruiting scene.

And that’s a wrap!

Whether it's the thrill of victory, the anticipation of competition, or the celebration of legacy, FSU Athletics continues to inspire and captivate.

Here's to the athletes, coaches, and fans who make every game, match, and meet unforgettable.

Until next time, keep the Seminole spirit soaring high, and Go Noles!