Softball team edges Northwest Florida State College at FCSAA Division I Championship

The Eastern Florida State College softball team opened the FCSAA Division I Softball Championship with a thrilling extra-inning victory on Wednesday morning.

The Titans came in as the No. 7 seed and knocked off No. 2 seed Northwest Florida State College 1-0 in eight innings to open the championship week.

Eastern Florida State College starting pitcher Avery Velazquez dominated with eight scoreless innings, striking out 10 and allowed just three hits in the victory.

The game was scoreless through the first seven innings but in the top of the eighth Kayla Fanning walked with one out and went to third base on Keyleigh Flaherty's groundout. With two outs, Aracelis Jimenez came up and ripped a single to center field that scored Fanning.

Velazquez came out in the bottom of the eighth and struck out two of the three hitters including the final out of the game. It was the first postseason win for the freshman and her 24th win of the season.

Jimenez, who along with Velazquez were honored before the game for being named to all-state team, went 2-for-4 in the game.

Eastern Florida State College advanced to the semifinals with the victory and will face Chipola College on Thursday at 4 p.m. in Clearwater. Chipola College defeated No. 3 seed Indian River State College 2-1 in the second game of the day.

Fans can watch the semifinal on Thursday afternoon live online at the FCSAA Digital Network page by clicking here.