TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Samford softball team opened its 2026 campaign at the JoAnne Graf Classic, earning a 6-2 win over UConn before falling 2-0 to No. 7 Florida State in an early-season doubleheader. The Bulldogs move to 1-1 overall after a strong showing in Tallahassee, highlighted by timely hitting and strong pitching from two newcomers.
Samford wasted little time making an impact in the opener against UConn, responding quickly after falling behind in the top of the first inning. After UConn struck first, Katie Campbell delivered an RBI single to even the score. The Bulldogs continued to build momentum, taking a 3-1 lead in the second inning thanks to a two-RBI single from Ella Nelson, driving in Sydnie Ferrant and Shannon Weems.
The Bulldogs extended their advantage in the third, as Sydnie Ferrant worked a bases-loaded walk to plate Kathryn Bryars and push the lead to 4-1. After surrendering an early run, Makinley Turner settled down as she made her Samford debut in the circle. Turner worked out of several jams and held the Huskies to just two runs as she went the distance, scattering six hits and five walks while striking out seven UConn batters.
The Dogs added on in the sixth when Addison Smith scored to make the score 6-1 in Samford's favor. The Huskies added a run in the final frame, but the Bulldogs captured an opening-day win against a Huskies side that was in the NCAA Tournament last season.
In the nightcap, Samford faced host Florida State and battled against a top-10 program. The Bulldogs' bats were stymied by Seminoles ace Jazzy Francik, who held Samford without a hit. Just two Bulldogs reached base on walks but Samford was just a swing away from being right back in the game throughout the night, thanks to Brandy Phillips in the circle.
Florida State scored both of its runs in the third inning, manufacturing offense with a pair of RBI singles. The first run game on a 50/50 replay decision at the plate that would have ended the inning but went the Seminoles way. Despite the deficit, the Bulldogs' defense remained sharp and limited further damage, but they could not mount a rally against Francik, ultimately falling 2-0.
Phillips finished after pitching all six innings, allowing six hits, three walks, three strikeouts, and the two runs.
The Bulldogs are back in action tomorrow for two games as they face Marshall at 11:30 am and then Iowa at 2 pm.
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