Florida State women’s soccer will conclude its regular-season schedule on Thursday, Nov. 5, against Virginia Tech in Tallahassee, looking to carry its recent success into the postseason.
Following back-to-back wins over Duke and Miami, the Seminoles climbed from No. 22 to No. 10 in the latest United Soccer Coaches national rankings.
No. 10 Florida State enters its final regular-season matchup with a 9-2-3 record, looking to earn its 10th win of the season. The Seminoles have scored 25 goals on 150
shots, including 83 shots on goal.
The Seminoles’ two losses came against SEC rival Florida on Aug. 23 (3-1) and Notre Dame on Oct. 24 (2-0).
Florida State also recorded three draws against Rice on Sept. 6 (1-1), NC State on Sept. 11 (2-2) and Louisville on Sept. 27 (0-0). The Seminoles’ scheduled matchup against North Carolina was canceled.
Offensively, Wrianna Hudson leads Florida State with six goals, followed by Sam Erbach with four and Tanner Strickland with three. Erbach also leads the team with five assists.
Florida State entered the season with 16 newcomers, including 11 transfers and five freshmen. Throughout the season, the Seminoles have worked to build chemistry and establish consistency with a largely new roster.
Head coach Brian Pensky has adjusted the starting lineup throughout the season, finding combinations that work best together. The Seminoles have also faced challenges with injuries and players representing their respective national teams.
During his Oct. 28 media availability, Pensky discussed the team’s offensive development following its loss to Notre Dame.
“It’s an evolution, right?” Pensky said. “We were shut out against Louisville, and then we went three straight games, I believe, scoring two goals a game and then we had another bump the other day… all evolution, but I feel like we’re absolutely moving in the right direction.”
Despite the challenges, Pensky expressed confidence in the Seminoles’ ability to compete as the postseason approaches.
“You know, you look at the last five games, right, in ACC play, we’ve given up one goal in the run of play, ” Pensky said. “We’re a good team, and we have depth.”
He also emphasized the importance of remaining positive through adversity.
“You know, losses happen, and they happened a year ago, two years ago, 2024 we lost two games in a row on the road we came back we won the ACC championship so it’s all a matter of just stay in the course right stay together stay positive.”
Florida State responded with two important ACC victories, defeating No. 5 Duke 2-1 on Oct. 29 before shutting out rival Miami 2-0 on the road Nov. 1.
Against Duke, Shaneil Buckley opened the scoring before Strickland extended the lead with the eventual game-winning goal. Florida State followed with another strong performance against Miami, with Nawreen Ahmad and Hudson scoring in the victory.
Those wins helped Florida State climb to fourth place in the ACC standings with a 5-1-2 conference record.
Strickland was named ACC Defensive Player of the Week following the two victories. She scored the game-winning goal against Duke and helped Florida State’s defense limit Miami to just one shot.
The Seminoles have also received individual recognition throughout the season, including ACC weekly honors for Grace Hoytink and goalkeeper Kate Ockene.
With one regular-season game remaining, Florida State will look to finish strong against Virginia Tech before turning its attention to postseason play.
