The women’s college softball World Cup took place here, and seven teams are looking to end Oklahoma’s reign at the top of the college softball world.
The two-time defending champion Sooners is looking to become the only second team to win three peats at WCWS. Oklahoma, used a Thrilling return in the seventh super regionare on the longest winning streak in Division I history thanks to a nationally leading foul and the #1 ranked pitcher in the ERA.
The Sooners are as hot as fire, the championship in Oklahoma City is not guaranteed. Since seeding began in 2005, only seven No. 1 seeds (including Oklahoma’s 2021 and 2022 teams) have won the national championship.
Standing in their way was a field that included #3 Florida, #4 Tennessee, #5 Alabama, #6 Oklahoma, #7 Washington, #9 Stanford, and #15 Utah.
Florida State (2018), Alabama (2012) and Washington (2009) are the only other schools among the eight teams that eventually lifted the championship trophy.
Our experts break down the biggest challenger to Oklahoma’s chance to make history, the games they look forward to seeing and who could be the ultimate difference-maker next week.
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What could stop Oklahoma from winning it all again?
Jenny Dalton-Hill: We’ve seen a lot of pitch changes with high-powered pitchers that will effectively hit the Sooners this season. Clemson used many pitchers in super matches and nearly beat them. One yard one way win. Oklahoma had trouble defending in those pressure situations. While Oklahoma’s roster is full of subs on the bench, finding a way to upset the Sooners is the only way to beat them.
Amanda Scarborough: Florida State Game Planning. The Florida State coaching staff consistently offer the best plans for defensive shifts, pitching for games, and a unique approach to beating each pitcher they face. The players are always prepared and confident in their plans. Plus, many of their players have WCWS experience.
Kayla Braud: A pitching duo the Sooners have never seen this season could be the difference for someone looking to beat Oklahoma. Think Stanford’s Alana Vawter and NiJaree Canady, who missed their opening game of the season, or Tennessee’s Payton Gottshall and Ashley Rogers.
Which team’s path to WCWS has been the most impressive?
Dalton Hill: Stanford made a tough decision in March that ultimately helped it succeed in the post-season. Nijaree Canady rested for four weeks due to shoulder pain which kept her rested, pain free and dominant at the end of the season. It was a brave call by Jessica Allister to give her freshman a break, but it made all the difference.
Scarborough: Oklahoma State. The Cowgirls’ record for attending the NCAA tournament in their last 13 games is 2-11, and to be honest, they just shrug it off. But in between the Selection Show and the first day of the region, they completely reset and turned everything around. They have a perfect 5-0 in the league, are 38-3 ahead of their opponents and look like the team we saw in February and March dominating their opponents.
Braud: Quite a few people questioned Alabama’s 5th seed at the tournament and saw it as an easier route to WCWS. However, with a Montana Fouts injury and a foul that didn’t average multiple runs per game, what the Crimson Tide has done over the past two weeks has been nothing short of impressive. Jaala Torrence’s performance in the regional round without Fouts and then their comeback in the super match after losing Game 1 to the Big Ten champions showcased Tide’s fight.
What is the X-factor that you would like to see?
Dalton Hill: I’m looking for the team that celebrates the little things the most. It’s the team that usually sits in the driver’s seat. The energy in poison ivy is contagious on the field. An inactive canoe is meant to play flat. Oklahoma did this throughout the season. Can other schools keep their energy up during the long hot days in Oklahoma? Emotions and energy from unintelligent people make a huge impact.
Scarborough: Aly Kaneshiro from Stanford. She’s a leader behind the plate for Cardinal’s giant pitching team, throwing out base-stealers and, in the NCAA tournament, her stick is popular. She is an established and strong leader for Stanford in the NCAA tournament.
Braud: Run elite basic. Teams like Florida State and Tennessee have proven that basic running can be the difference in winning close-to-ball games. Stolen base and finding a high instinct run on the base track might just be the difference in a few ball games at WCWS.
Who do you choose for WCWS MOP?
Dalton Hill: I like Tennessee’s Kiki Milloy. If she can keep coming up with impressive numbers, she has a chance, which is typical of the MOP coming from the championship team. I think Oklahoma won this year, so my vote goes to Tiare Jennings. Her steady strength, relentless defense and clutch performance always make me cheer for her.
Scarborough: Tiare Jennings. She’s one of the most clutch, consistent, and fun players at WCWS. Her experience as a three-year starter with two national championships and her ability to weather the big moments is exceptional.
Braud: Jayda Coleman. Coleman has delivered unrealistic numbers in the lead for this season’s OU, being the emotional leader of the team and able to change the game with her strength and speed. Not to mention she can Robbers run with the best of them in the central area.
Who will be the last two teams?
Dalton Hill: This year will go to Tennessee and Oklahoma. I’m excited to see these teams perform.
Scarborough: Oklahoma and the State of Oklahoma.
Braud: Oklahoma and Tennessee.
