They came to a rival’s yard with something to prove. They left having planted their flag.
The FAMU softball team didn’t just win a series at Bethune-Cookman this weekend—they authored a declaration. Completing a dominant three-game sweep with 8-2 and 6-3 victories on Saturday, the Rattlers sent an unmistakable message to the rest of the SWAC: the road to the championship runs through Tallahassee.
Meanwhile, back on campus, the FAMU baseball team provided a powerful supporting act, riding a masterful pitching performance from Garrett Workman to a decisive 9-1 win over Alabama State.
But this Saturday belonged to the softball team, whose relentless attack and poised pitching propelled them to a 10-2 conference record and sole possession of first place in the SWAC standings.
Softball Game 2: Smith’s gem and an offensive onslaught
Senior right-hander Samantha Smith was the steady hand, delivering a masterful complete-game performance. She worked all seven innings, allowing just two runs on four hits, her command impeccable as she induced weak contact and navigated any potential trouble with veteran calm.
“My job is to let the defense work,” Smith said. “When you have hitters putting up runs like that, you can just attack the zone.”
And attack the zone they did. The Rattlers’ offense provided more than enough support, erupting for eight runs on nine hits. The breakout moment came in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Braxtyn Battle stepped in and launched her first home run of the season—a monstrous three-run shot to left field that blew the game open and silenced the Sunnyland Park crowd.
“I was just looking for something to drive,” Battle said of her pivotal blast. “To come through for the team like that… it’s an incredible feeling.”
The power display wasn’t over. In the sixth, slugger Amari Brown put an exclamation point on the victory, crushing a three-run homer of her own—her seventh of the year—to cement the 8-2 final. The victory improved FAMU to 18-14 overall, but more importantly, it set the stage for a series sweep.
Softball Game 3: A five-run barrage and Brown’s two-way brilliance
The rally was a masterpiece of small ball and clutch hitting. It was capped by Makayla Register, who, with two outs and the bases loaded, laced a two-run double into the gap to stake FAMU to a commanding 5-0 lead before many fans had even found their seats.
“We talk about controlling the tempo from the first pitch,” said head coach Brittany Beal. “Today, we did exactly that.”
But the story of the clincher was Amari Brown’s remarkable two-way performance. After starting pitcher Zoryana Hughes ran into early trouble, Brown entered the game in relief and was utterly dominant. She pitched five brilliant innings, allowing just one run on four hits to secure the win.
Not content to just shut the door from the circle, Brown also contributed an RBI at the plate, showcasing the unique versatility that makes her one of the most dangerous players in the conference.
Speedy leadoff hitter Neriah Lee was a catalyst all game, going a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base, reaching base in all four of her plate appearances.
The 6-3 final score secured the sweep, improved FAMU’s record to 19-14, and—most importantly—launched them into first place in the SWAC with a 10-2 conference record.
While softball was completing its statement in Daytona, left-hander Garrett Workman was dealing on the mound in Tallahassee.
Workman was nearly untouchable, pitching 7.2 stellar innings, striking out seven and allowing just one run. He expertly worked out of jams, repeatedly stranding Alabama State runners and controlling the game from start to finish.
The Rattler offense provided ample support, erupting for three runs in the first inning to chase the Hornets’ starter and never looking back. The 9-1 victory was a comprehensive team win, improving FAMU’s standing as they chase the top of the conference.
A weekend of statements
For the Rattlers, it was more than just three wins. It was a proclamation heard across the conference. The hunt is on, and FAMU is leading the pack.