GAINESVILLE, FLA. – The No. 3 seed Georgia Tech softball team (27-23, 10-11 ACC) faced a tough challenge in their first game of the 2025 NCAA Gainesville, Fla. Regional. The Yellow Jackets fell 5-4 in a nail-biting eight-inning match against the No. 2 seed Florida Atlantic (45-10, 23-4 AAC). Leading the charge for Tech’s offense was NFCA All-Region Third Team first baseman Addison Leschber, who delivered a stellar performance with two runs, three hits, one RBI, one home run, and contributed seven putouts.
Game Highlights
Leschber’s powerful performance was crucial in keeping the Yellow Jackets in the game. The first baseman went 3 for 3 at the plate, hitting a game-tying home run in the seventh inning that marked her eighth home run of the season. This impressive feat puts her second on the team behind Gracyn Tucker, who has hit 12 home runs this season. Leschber currently leads the team with a .360 batting average and a .623 slugging percentage.
Pitched to Perfection
Sophia Voyles made her 24th start of the season, pitching 5.0 innings and striking out two batters. Makayla Coffield came into the game in the sixth inning, marking her 21st relief appearance this season. Together, they showcased resilience against a formidable Florida Atlantic offense, maintaining pressure throughout the match.
Key Plays and Turning Points
The game began with a scoreless first inning, but Florida Atlantic struck first with a solo home run in the second. After keeping the Owls to just one run in the third and fourth innings, Tech found themselves trailing by two runs after another solo shot in the fifth. However, the Yellow Jackets responded with back-to-back singles and a double from Emma Simon, which turned the game around, giving Tech a brief 3-2 lead.
Defensive Highlights
Tech’s defense was critical in keeping the Owls at bay, executing vital double plays, especially in the seventh inning that stranded an Owl runner on first base. Despite the challenges, the Yellow Jackets maintained a solid defensive front, showcasing their teamwork and skill under pressure.
Looking Ahead: Next Matchup
The Yellow Jackets will continue their regional run against the No. 4 seed Mercer on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. This upcoming match is an opportunity for redemption; earlier in the season, Tech narrowly lost to Mercer 8-5. The team is focused and determined to advance further in the tournament.
Community Support: Full Steam Ahead Initiative
In addition to the game highlights, Georgia Tech athletics has launched the “Full Steam Ahead” initiative—a $500 million fundraising campaign aimed at elevating the competitive stature of all athletic programs at Georgia Tech. This initiative will fund transformative projects at sports facilities, including renovations to Bobby Dodd Stadium and the Zelnak Basketball Center. Fans and supporters are encouraged to learn more and contribute online at atfund.org/FullSteamAhead.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates on Georgia Tech softball, follow the team on social media platforms: Twitter (@GaTechSoftball), Facebook, and Instagram (@GaTechsoftball), or visit their official website at www.ramblinwreck.com.
Georgia Tech Falls to Florida Atlantic in NCAA Regional Opener
GAINESVILLE, FLA. – The No. 3 seed Georgia Tech softball team faced a challenging battle against No. 2 seed Florida Atlantic in their first game of the 2025 NCAA Gainesville Regional, suffering a narrow 5-4 defeat after eight innings. This marked a tough start for the Yellow Jackets (27-23, 10-11 ACC) as they aimed for postseason success against the Owls (45-10, 23-4 AAC).
Player Highlights
In this exciting matchup, first baseman Addison Leschber stood out for Georgia Tech, contributing significantly to the offense. She registered two runs, three hits, one home run, and one RBI, along with seven putouts, showcasing her dynamic presence on the field. Her performance solidified her status as a crucial player for Tech, reinforcing her position as an NFCA All-Region Third Team selection.
Pitching Performance
Sophia Voyles started on the mound, marking her 24th appearance of the season. She struck out two batters during her 5.0 innings before being relieved by Makayla Coffield, who entered in the sixth inning. Coffield’s contribution was vital, as she aimed to keep the Owls’ offense at bay. This match was particularly significant as it was Georgia Tech’s first game of the season extending into extra innings.
Game Dynamics
The game unfolded dramatically, starting with both teams unable to score in the first inning. Florida Atlantic drew first blood with a solo home run in the second. However, Georgia Tech responded effectively, taking the lead at 3-2 thanks to a sequence of aggressive plays and strategic hitting, particularly a double from Emma Simon that further fueled their momentum.
Clutch Moments
As the game progressed, both teams delivered entertaining performances, highlighted by Leschber’s clutch solo home run in the seventh inning that tied the game at 4-4. Despite some strong defensive plays, including a timely double play in the bottom of the seventh, the Owls regained the advantage in the eighth inning and secured the victory shortly after.
Upcoming Challenges
The defeat places Georgia Tech in a critical position as they prepare to face No. 4 seed Mercer on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. This upcoming game is crucial for the Yellow Jackets as they aim for a chance to advance in the tournament and continue their quest for NCAA glory.
Support Georgia Tech Athletics
As Georgia Tech strives for championship-level success, the “Full Steam Ahead” fundraising initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving athletic excellence. With a goal of $500 million, this initiative supports transformative projects across various athletic facilities, ensuring that Georgia Tech remains competitive in the fast-evolving landscape of intercollegiate sports.
Stay Connected
For ongoing updates and insights into the Georgia Tech softball team, follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter (@GaTechSoftball), Facebook, and Instagram (@GaTechsoftball), or visit the official website at www.ramblinwreck.com.
