Next Game:
vs. Texas State
5/16/2026 | 12:30 PM EST
SEC +
May. 16 (Sat) / 12:30 PM EST
vs. Texas State
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida A&M softball made history on Friday morning. In front of 1,699 fans at the NCAA Gainesville Regional, the Rattlers took the field as the Rattlers in their 14th NCAA Regional appearance — and their first ever as a member of the SWAC.
Zoryana Hughes started in the circle for FAMU, pitching 2.0 innings before Sariah Espada came on in relief. The freshman right-hander showed no shortage of fight, competing against a Gator lineup that put up 12 runs on 12 hits. Florida scored once in the first, four times in the second on an Ava Brown two-RBI double and a sacrifice fly, and three more in the third on a chaotic sequence that included Comia stealing home. FAMU’s defense continued to battle throughout, making plays and showing the competitive instincts that defined the entire season.
Florida added four more in the fifth on a Shumaker three-run homer to end the game by run rule — but the Rattlers left the field having done something no FAMU softball team has ever done before. They showed up, competed, and represented the university and the SWAC on college softball’s biggest stage.
Friday’s result does not end FAMU’s tournament. The Rattlers remain alive and will face Texas State on Saturday in an elimination game at 12:30 p.m. EST. A win keeps the season going.
Key Stats — Florida 12, Florida A&M 0 (5 innings)
Batting
Amya Ramos — 1-2 (FAMU’s only hit of the game)
Pitching
Zoryana Hughes (L, 14-6) — 2.0 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Sariah Espada — 2.0 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 HR