Samford women's soccer is set to face the sixth-ranked Florida State Seminoles in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this Friday at 4 p.m. (CT) in Tallahassee, Fla. Samford holds a record of 13-2-5 this season and has entered the tournament after a championship win over Mercer. The two teams have a history with Florida State winning all five previous encounters, including last year's significant loss for Samford. Florida State, coming off a draw in the ACC Tournament, showcases notable players in Jordynn Dudley and Wrianna Hudson.

By the Numbers
  • Samford's overall record: 13-2-5, SoCon record: 7-0-2.
  • Florida State's overall record: 10-2-4, ACC record: 6-2-2.
  • Sam De Luca's goals this season: 15 (leading the SoCon, tied for 9th nationally).
  • Peyton Hull's shutouts: 11 (tied for 5th nationally).
Yes, But

Despite Samford's strong season, their historical struggles against Florida State may weigh heavily on their confidence. The team's only previous NCAA Tournament success came in past years, making this matchup particularly challenging.

State of Play
  • Florida State has a strong postseason history, having ended their last match in a penalty shootout loss.
  • Samford has consistently relied on key players like Sam De Luca and goalkeeper Peyton Hull to maintain their competitive edge this season.
What's Next

Should Samford overcome Florida State, they could gain significant momentum for potential further advancement in the tournament, facing either higher-ranked teams or underdogs in subsequent rounds.

Bottom Line

The upcoming match is critical for Samford to establish their presence in the NCAA Tournament. A win against Florida State could redefine their program's trajectory and build confidence for future competitions.