2024 held at Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford, Michigan on August 4-6.
Champion – NY Gremlins, Clifton Park, New York Runner Up – OMMA Tigres, Midland, Texas
MVP – Erick Ochoa, NY Gremlins
Batting Leader – Erick Ochoa, NY Gremlins – .846
Home Run Leader – Erick Ochoa, NY Gremlins
The 92nd annual USA Softball Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship concluded Sunday as the NY Gremlins claimed the 2024 Championship title with a 13-0 shutout victory over the Omma Tigres. With an undefeated 5-0 record through the three-day tournament, the Gremlins recorded three run-rule victories while outscoring their opponents 47-4 in five games played en route to their fourth-consecutive and ninth overall Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship title.
Despite facing an early setback with a loss in their first tournament game, the Omma Tigres regrouped and went on a remarkable seven-game winning streak to secure a spot in the championship game, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. After winning their first two matchups, the Hill United Chiefs faced a defeat against the Gremlins, sending them to the loser’s bracket for a chance at redemption against the Tigres. The Tigres emerged victorious with a tight 4-3 win, advancing to the final showdown.
The NY Gremlins finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, making history by winning their fourth consecutive title and becoming the first team in USA Softball history to achieve this feat. Since 2009, the NY Gremlins have improved to a 70-16 record, winning a total of nine National Championship titles and securing a spot in the record books.
The Gremlins outscored its opponents 47-4 during the 2024 event while picking up two shutout wins along the way. Combining for a .357 batting average with a .690 slugging percentage, the squad tallied 46 hits including seven doubles and 12 home runs – six of which came off the bat of Erick Ochoa. Ochoa led the team at the plate with a .846 batting average followed by Cole Evans with a .500 batting average. Shining in the circle for the Gremlins was Jack Besgrove with a .33 ERA and tournament-high 33 strikeouts.
In the lineup of the National Champion NY Gremlins, fans will find two seasoned players from the U.S. Men’s National Team (MNT) – Nick Mullins and Erick Ochoa. With Mullins anchoring the squad from behind the plate and Ochoa delivering a commanding offensive performance, their contributions have been instrumental throughout the weekend.
A total of 18 teams gathered at Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford, Michigan this weekend as the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship entered its 92nd year, continuing the tradition of elite Men’s Fast Pitch competition while growing the game around the world. First taking place at the World’s Fair in Chicago, Ill. in 1933, the elite Men’s Fast Pitch Championship has been held across 19 states throughout its near century of play.
FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Jack Besgrove, NY Gremlins
P – Reo Koyama, OMMA Tigres
P – Marco Diaz, Hill United
C – Bruno Motroni – Hill United
IF – Erick Ochoa, NY Gremlins
IF – Lenny Villalvazo, Hill United
IF – Ladislao Malarczak, NY Gremlins
IF – Gustav Prishker, Glowworm
OF – Matthieu Roy, NY Gremlins
OF – Alan Peker, Hill United
OF – Miguel Leyva, OMMA Tigres
OF – Mazaya Toriyama, OMMA Tigres
UT – Yusef Davis, Glowworm
UT – Jesus Cardona, OMMA Tigres
UT – Ben Enoka, NY Gremlins
SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Kuba Osiaka, NY Gremlins
P – Nahuel Saenz, OMMA Tigres
P – Roman Godoy, Hill United
C – Juan Zara, NE Drillers
IF – Yuusuke Morita, Glowworm
IF – Justin Laskowski, Circle Tap Dukes
IF – Blaine Milheim, NE Drillers
IF – Zac Shaw, NE Drillers
OF – Brad Ezekial, Hill United
OF – Alan Salgado, Glowworm
OF – Callum Beashel, Circle Tap Dukes
OF – Spencer Yackel, LC Ostrander
UT – Edgar Prishker, Glowworm
UT – Bryan Abrey, NY Gremlins
UT – Brent Meshke, LC Ostrander
FINAL STANDINGS
1. NY Gremlins, Clifton Park, NY (5-0)
2. Omma Tigres, Midland, TX (7-2)
3. Hill United Chiefs, Six Nations, ON (3-2)
4. Glowworm, San Antonio, TX (4-2)
5t. Circle Tap Dukes, Denmark, WI (2-2)
5t. NE Drillers, Elkland, PA (2-2)
7t. Kegel Black Knights, Fargo, ND (2-2)
7t. Bear Creek Express, Melbourne, ON (2-2)
9t. Team 518, Albany, NY (3-2)
9t. AWP Lumberjacks, Du Quoin, IL (1-2)
9t. LC Ostrander Norsemen, Lake Crystal, MN (2-2)
9t. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (2-2)
13t. Marchio Sausage Company, St. Paul, MN (0-3)
13t. Ohio Bombers, Bainbridge, OH (1-3)
13t. Pueblo Bandits, Pueblo, CO (1-3)
13t. STK Fastball, Chase, BC (2-2)
17t. Villa Arcos Misfits, Houston, TX (1-2)
17t. Homer Yard Goats, Homer, MI (0-3)
Oklahoma is the winner of the 2024 Women’s College World Series, sweeping rival Texas in the championship series to become the first school to win four consecutive softball national championships.
It was the offense that powered Oklahoma to an 8-3 win in Game 1 Wednesday, and in Thursday’s Game 2, Oklahoma rallied to an 8-4 victory to take down the No. 1 team in the country.
The big hits came from Kasidi Pickering, who launched a two-run homer in the second inning, and Cydney Sanders, who cleared the bases with a fourth-inning double that put Oklahoma ahead for good. The Sooners escaped a jam in the top of the sixth — thanks in part to a massive base-running blunder by Texas’ Mia Scott — before tacking on some insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Kelly Maxwell then closed it out as OU staked its claim as (arguably) softball’s greatest dynasty.
“We work hard. We do it blue-collar style. We fight. We’re gritty. There’s nothing we feel that we can’t overcome and that’s why we go out and we just play free,” Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso said in her postgame interview with ESPN.
Last season was a historic one for the Sooners. They set the NCAA record for most consecutive wins and had a near-perfect season at 61-1 as they dominated their way to softball’s second three-peat. Oklahoma then lost ace pitcher Jordy Bahl to the transfer portal, its record winning streak finally ended earlier this season at 71 games and for the first time since 2018, the Sooners weren’t the No. 1 national seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Still, Oklahoma continued its postseason reign. The Sooners breezed through the regional and super regional round and secured a spot in the national semifinal. Their impressive 20-game postseason winning streak came to an end in a loss to Florida and put Oklahoma in a win-or-go-home game, but the defending champions survived. An extra inning, walk-off home run from Jayda Coleman put Oklahoma in the championship series, which they won again Thursday.
“This was the hardest of all, without question,” Gasso said. “It’s going to probably be the most remembered for just the magnitude of what these guys have done. It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable.”
The national championship gives Oklahoma its eighth title, which ties Arizona for second most in NCAA history, behind UCLA’s 12 championships. It’s been dominance for the Sooners in Oklahoma City in recent history.
All eight of their national championships under Gasso have come since 2000, and they’ve now won seven of the last 11 Women’s College World Series while appearing in the last five championship series. It also puts a bow on the careers of five standout Oklahoma seniors − Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen, Nicole May and Rylie Boone. Those five seniors were part of every national championship team during the four-peat, a four-year run that saw the Sooners go an astonishing 235-15.
Most Outstanding Player – Kelly Maxwell, Oklahoma
Batting Leader –
RBI Leader –
RBI Leader –
RBI Leader –
Home Run Leader –
ERA Leader –
Strikeout Leader –
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
P – NjJaree Canady, Stanford
P – Teagan Kavan, Texas
P – Kelly Maxwell, Oklahoma
P – Keagan Rothrock, Florida
C – Jocelyn Erickson, Florida
C – Kinzie Hansen, Oklahoma
IF – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
IF – Mia Scott, Texas
IF – Katie Stewart, Texas
OF – Kasidi Pickering, Oklahoma
DP – Ella Parker, Oklahoma
DP – Regan Walsh, Florida
SCORES
UCLA 4 Alabama 1
Oklahoma 9 Duke 1 (6 innings)
Texas 4 Stanford 0
Florida 1 Oklahoma State 0
Alabama 2 Duke 1 (Duke eliminated)
Stanford 8 Oklahoma State 0 (6 innings) (Oklahoma State eliminated)
Florida State qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION REGIONAL
Texas A&M 6 Albany 2
Texas State 4 Penn State 2
Texas A&M 1 Texas State 0
Penn State 9 Albany 3 (Albany eliminated)
Texas State 8 Penn State 4 (Penn State eliminated)
Texas A&M 8 Texas State 0 (Texas State eliminated)
Texas A&M qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
SUPER REGIONALS
AUSTIN SUPER REGIONAL
Texas A&M 6 Texas 1
Texas 9 Texas A&M 8
Texas 6 Texas A&M 5
Texas qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
NORMAN SUPER REGIONAL
Oklahoma 11 Florida State 3 (5 innings)
Oklahoma 4 Florida State 2
Oklahoma qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
KNOXVILLE SUPER REGIONAL
Tennessee 3 Alabama 2
Alabama 3 Tennessee 2 (14 innings)
Alabama 4 Tennessee 1
Alabama qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
GAINESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL
Florida 4 Baylor 2
Baylor 5 Florida 2
Florida 5 Baylor 3
Florida qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
STILLWATER SUPER REGIONAL
Oklahoma State 8 Arizona 0 (5 innings)
Oklahoma State 10 Arizona 4
Oklahoma State qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
LOS ANGELES SUPER REGIONAL
UCLA 8 Georgia 0 (6 innings)
UCLA 6 Georgia 1
UCLA qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
COLUMBIA SUPER REGIONAL
Duke 6 Missouri 3
Missouri 3 Duke 1
Duke 4 Missouri 3 (9 innings)
Duke qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
STANFORD SUPER REGIONAL
LSU 11 Stanford 1
Stanford 3 LSU 0
Stanford 8 LSU 0 (6 innings)
Stanford qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
REGULAR SEASON INFORMATION
Honda Sports Award – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
NFCA Player of the Year – Jocelyn Erickson, Florida
NFCA National Pitcher of the Year – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
Softball America Pitcher of the Year – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
NFCA National Freshman of the Year – Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State
Softball America Freshman of the Year – Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State
NCAA Defensive Player of the Year – Jocelyn Erickson, Florida
NFCA Catcher of the Year – Jocelyn Erickson, Florida
NFCA Golden Shoe Award – Megan Delgadillo, Cal-State Fullerton
ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM
P – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
P – Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee
P – Sydney Berzon, LSU
P – Emiley Kennedy, Texas A&M
C – Reese Atwood, Texas
1B – Shaylon Govan, Baylor
2B – Allie Skaggs, Arizona
3B – Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State
SS – Skylar Wallace, Florida
OF – Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma
OF – Claire Davidson, Duke
OF – Jayda Kearney, Georgia
UT/P – Lexi Kilfoyl, Oklahoma State
UT – Sharlize Palacios, UCLA
UT – Jocelyn Erickson, Florida
UT – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
UT – Karli Spaid, Miami Ohio
UT – Maya Brady, UCLA
ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM
P – Kayla Beaver, Alabama
P – Kasey Ricard, Boston
P – Jessica Mullins, Texas State
P – Kelly Maxwell, Oklahoma
C – Kinzie Hansen, Oklahoma
1B – Madisyn Kennedy, Mississippi State
2B – Aminah Vega, Duke
3B – Alyssa Brito, Oklahoma
SS – Jess Oakland, Minnesota
OF – Korbe Otis, Florida
OF – Kiki Milloy, Tennessee
OF – Emma Ritter, Virginia Tech
UT/P – Jala Wright, Duke
UT – CC Wong, Wichita State
UT – Angelina Allen, Iowa State
UT -Viviana Martinez, Texas
UT – Dakota Kennedy, Arizona
UT – Payton Gottshall, Tennessee
ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
P – Keagan Rothrock, Florida
P – Teagan Kavan, Texas
P – Maddia Groff, Southern Illinois
P – Bridget Nemeth, Penn State
C – Kennedy Miller, Arkansas
1B – Karli Godwin, Oklahoma State
2B – Rosie Davis, Oklahoma State
3B – Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State
SS – Isa Torres, Florida State
OF – Reagan Shockey, Arizona
OF – Kayden Henry, Texas
OF – Kasidi Pickering, Oklahoma
UT/P – Ava Brown, Florida
UT – Ella Parker, Oklahoma
UT – Kaitlyn Terry, UCLA
UT – Michelle Chatfield, Virginia Tech
UT – Desirae Spearman, New Mexico State
UT – Katie Stewart, Texas
2023 held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 1-8.
Champion – Oklahoma Sooners (61-1) Runner Up – Florida State Seminoles (58-11)
With a 3-1 win over Florida State in Game 2 of the best-of-3 Women’s College World Series Finals, No. 1 Oklahoma secured its third straight national title while extending their record-setting winning streak to 53 games.
In the series-clinching win, Oklahoma trailed briefly after Florida State’s Mack Leonard popped a solo home run to give the Noles a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.
But the Sooners quickly responded with back-to-back solo homers by Grace Lyons and Rylie Boone to flip the game and take a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. An inning later, Alynah Torres grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored another runner and put OU up 3-1 in the sixth inning.
These two runs were more than enough for Jordy Bahl, who pitched the last three innings just one day after throwing a complete game shutout in the first game of the championship series. Bahl continued her dominant postseason as she did not allow a baserunner across her three innings of work.
With the win, Oklahoma became the first team to three-peat as national champions since 1988-90 when UCLA pulled off the feat. This is the seventh national title in program history and the sixth in the past 10 years for Patty Gasso’s Sooners.
Most Outstanding Player – Jordyn Bahl, Oklahoma
Batting Leader – Taylor Gindlesperger, Stanford – .538
RBI Leader – Tiarre Jennings, Oklahoma – 5
RBI Leader – Kinzie Hansen, Oklahoma -5
RBI Leader – Kaley Mudge, Florida State – 5
Home Run Leader – Michaela Edenfield – Florida State – 5
ERA Leader – Jordyn Bahl, Oklahoma – 0.00
Strikeout Leader – Jordyn Bahl, Oklahoma – 33
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Jordy Bahl, Oklahoma
Rylie Boonie, Oklahoma
Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma
Kinzie Hansen, Oklahoma
Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State
Kaley Mudge, Florida State
Michaela Edenfield, Florida State
NiJaree Canady, Stanford
Taylor Gindlesperger, Stanford
Kiki Milloy, Tennessee
Zaida Puni, Tennessee
SCORES
Tennessee 10 Alabama 5
Oklahoma 2 Stanford 0
Florida State 8 Oklahoma State 0 (6 innings)
Utah 4 Washington 1
Stanford 2 Alabama 0 (Alabama eliminated)
Oklahoma State 8 Utah 5 (5 innings)(Utah eliminated)
Oklahoma 9 Tennessee 0
Florida State 3 Washington 1
Stanford 2 Washington 0 (Washington eliminated)
Tennessee 3 Oklahoma State 1 (Oklahoma State eliminated)
Liberty 5, Grand Canyon 1 (Grand Canyon eliminated)
San Diego State 6, Liberty 3 (Liberty eliminated)
San Diego State qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
SUPER REGIONALS
TALLAHASSEE SUPER REGIONAL
Florida State 8, Georgia 1
Florida State 4, Georgia 2
Georgia qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
STILLWATER SUPER REGIONAL
Oklahoma State 8, Oregon 1
Oklahoma State 9, Oregon 0
Oklahoma State qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
NORMAN SUPER REGIONAL
Oklahoma 9, Clemson 2
Oklahoma 8, Clemson 7
Oklahoma qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
DURHAM SUPER REGIONAL
Stanford 3, Duke 1
Stanford 7, Duke 2
Stanford qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
TUSCALOOSA SUPER REGIONAL
Northwestern 3, Alabama 1
Alabama 2, Northwestern 1
Alabama 3, Northwestern 2
Alabama qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
KNOXVILLE SUPER REGIONAL
Tennessee 5, Texas 2
Tennessee 9, Texas 0
SEATTLE SUPER REGIONAL
Washington 8, Louisiana 0
Washington 2, Louisiana 0
Washington qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
SALT LAKE CITY SUPER REGIONAL
San Diego State 4, Utah 3
Utah 10, San Diego State 1
Utah 7, San Diego State 2
Utah qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
REGULAR SEASON INFORMATION
Honda Sports Award – Montana Fouts, Alabama
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year – Valerie Cagle, Clemson
NFCA Player of the Year – Skylar Wallace, Florida
NFCA National Pitcher of the Year – Ashley Rogers, Tennessee
Softball America Pitcher of the Year – Montana Fouts, Alabama
NFCA National Freshman of the Year – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
Softball America Freshman of the Year – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
NCAA Defensive Player of the Year – Grace Lyons, Oklahoma
NFCA Catcher of the Year – Terra McGowan, Oregon
NFCA Golden Shoe Award – Mihyia Davis, Louisiana
ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM
P – Montana Fouts, Alabama
P – Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State
P – Ashley Rogers, Tennessee
P – Jordyn Bahl, Oklahoma
C – Kinzie Hansen, Oklahoma
1B – Baylee Klingler, Washington
2B – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
SS – Skylar Wallace, Florida
3B – Alyssa Brito, Oklahoma
OF – Kiki Milloy, Tennessee
OF – Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma
OF – Alex Honnold, Missouri
UT/P – Valerie Cagle, Clemson
UT – Sydney McKinnie, Wichita State
UT – Maya Brady, UCLA
UT – Rachel Becker, Oklahoma State
UT – Taryn Kern, Indiana
ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM
P – Megan Faraimo, UCLA
P – Maddie Penta, Auburn
P – Kelly Maxwell, Oklahoma State
P – Autumn Pease, Minnesota
C – Kayla Kowalik, Kentucky
1B – Ellessa Bonstrom, Utah
2B – Allie Skaggs, Arizona
3B – Erin Coffel, Kentucky
SS – Karli Spaid, Miami (OH)
OF – Jayda Kearney, Georgia
OF – Korbe Otis, Louisville
OF – Ashley Trierweiler, Santa Clara
UT/P – Taylor Roby, Louisville
UT – Haley Lee, Oklahoma
UT – McKenna Gibson, Tennessee
UT – Autumn Owen, Marshall
UT – Grace Lyons, Oklahoma
ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
P – NiJaree Canady, Stanford
P – Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee
P – Ruby Meylan, Washington
P – Cassidy Curd, Duke
P – Makenna Reid, Florida State
P – Sydney Berzon, LSU
C – Sarah Gordon, Louisville
1B – Jordan Woolery, UCLA
2B – Taryn Kern, Indiana
3B – Meagan Grant, UCLA
SS – Jackie Lis, Southern Illinois
OF – Reagan Johnson, Arkansas
OF – Mihyia Davis, Louisiana
OF – D’Auna Jennings, Duke
UT – Alexis Pupillo, Northern Iowa
UT – Kailey Wyckoff, Texas Tech
UT – Tallen Edwards, Oklahoma State
UT – Leighann Goode, Texas
Oklahoma ended its dominant 2022 season with a Women’s College World Series title.
The Sooners beat unseeded Texas 16-1 in Game 1 and 10-5 in Game 2 for the program’s sixth national championship.
Most Outstanding Player Jocelyn Alo, who earlier in the year broke Lauren Chamberlain’s home run record, set records of her own, hitting five homers and driving in 13 runs, both WCWS records.
The 59-3 Sooners dominated in the NCAA tournament, going 10-1 in the postseason and outscoring opponents 116-20.
Earlier in the year the SEC announced expanding their league by two universities. The WCWS finalists, Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns will be joining the SEC in 2024.
Most Outstanding Player – Jocelyn Alo, Oklahoma
Batting Leader –
RBI Leader –
Home Run Leader –
ERA Leader –
Strikeout Leader –
Still researching these.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
P – Estelle Czech, Texas
P – Megan Faraimo, UCLA
P – Kelly Maxwell, Oklahoma State
P – Hope Trautwein, Oklahoma
C – Delanie Wisz – UCLA
1B – Courtney Day, Texas
2B – Tiarre Jennings, Oklahoma
OF – Rylie Boone, Oklahoma
OF – Bella Dayton, Texas
OF – Kaley Mudge, Florida State
UTIL – Jocelyn Aho, Oklahoma
UTIL – Maya Brady, UCLA
UTIL – Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma
SCORES
Texas 5 UCLA 2
Oklahoma 13 Northwestern 2 (5 inn.)
Florida 7 Oregon State 1
Oklahoma State 4 Arizona 2
UCLA 6 Northwestern 1 (Northwestern eliminated)
Arizona 3 Oregon State 1 (Oregon State eliminated)
Oklahoma 7 Texas 2
Oklahoma State 2 Florida 0
UCLA 8 Florida 0 (6 inn.) (Florida eliminated)
Texas 5 Arizona 2 (Arizona eliminated)
UCLA 7 Oklahoma 3
Oklahoma 15 UCLA 0 (5 inn.) (UCLA eliminated)
Texas 5 Oklahoma State 0
Texas 6 Oklahoma State 5 (Oklahoma State eliminated)
Missouri State 2, Illinois 0 (Illinois eliminated)
Missouri 2, Missouri State 0 (Missouri State eliminated)
Arizona 1, Missouri 0 (Missouri eliminated)
Arizona qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
TALLAHASSEE REGIONAL
South Florida 4, Mississippi State 0
Florida State 8, Howard 0 (5 inn.)
Florida State 8, South Florida 0 (5 inn.)
Mississippi State 6, Howard 3 (Howard eliminated)
Mississippi State 6, South Florida 0 (South Florida eliminated)
Mississippi State 5, Florida State 0
Mississippi State 4, Florida State 3 (Florida State eliminated)
Mississippi State qualifies for the Super Regional, 4-1.
SUPER REGIONALS
BLACKSBURG SUPER REGIONAL
Virginia Tech 6, Florida 0
Florida 7, Virginia Tech 2
Florida 12, Virginia Tech 0 (5 inn.)
Florida qualifies for the WCWS 3-1.
TEMPE SUPER REGIONAL
Northwestern 4, Arizona State 3 (11 inn.)
Arizona State 8, No. 9 Northwestern 4 (8 inn.)
Northwestern 8, No. 8 Arizona State 6
Northwestern qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
NORMAN SUPER REGIONAL
Oklahoma 8, UCF 0 (5 inn.)
Oklahoma 7, UCF 1
Oklahoma qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
GAINESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL
UCLA 3, Duke 2
UCLA 8, Duke 2
UCLA qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
FAYETTEVILLE SUPER REGIONAL
Arkansas 7, Texas 1
Texas 3, Arkansas 1
Texas 3, Arkansas 0
Texas qualifies for the WCWS 2-1.
PALO ALTO SUPER REGIONAL
Oregon State 3, Stanford 1
Oregon State 2, Stanford 0
Oregon State qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
STILLWATER SUPER REGIONAL
Oklahoma State 2, Clemson 0
Oklahoma State 5, Clemson 1
Oklahoma State qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
STARKVILLE SUPER REGIONAL
Arizona 3, Mississippi State 2 (8 inn.)
Arizona 7, Mississippi State 1
Arizona qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
LOS ANGELES SUPER REGIONAL
UCLA 3, Duke 2
UCLA 8, Duke 2
UCLA qualifies for the WCWS 2-0.
REGULAR SEASON INFORMATION
Honda Sports Award – Jocelyn Alo, Oklahoma
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year – Jocelyn Alo, Oklahoma
NFCA Player of the Year – Jocelyn Alo, Oklahoma
NFCA National Pitcher of the Year – Georgina Corrick, South Florida
Softball America Pitcher of the Year – Georgina Corrick, South Florida
NFCA National Freshman of the Year – Jordy Bahl, Oklahoma
Softball America Freshman of the Year – Jordy Bahl, Oklahoma
NCAA Defensive Player of the Year – Jordyn Rudd, Northwestern
NFCA Catcher of the Year – Mia Davidson, Mississippi State
NFCA Golden Shoe Award – Alexis Johns, South Florida
ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM
P – Danielle Williams, Northwestern
P – Georgina Corrick, South Florida
P – Jordy Bahl, Oklahoma
C – Mia Davidson, Mississippi State
1B – Cydney Sanders, Arizona State
2B – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
3B – Hannah Gammill, Arkansas
SS – Grace Lyons, Oklahoma
OF – Rachel Lewis, Northwestern
OF – Yanni Acuna, Arizona State
OF – Addison Barnard, Wichita State
UTIL – Mariah Mazon, Oregon State
UTIL – Jocelyn Alo, Oklahoma
AL – Kelly Maxwell, Oklahoma State
AL – Baylee Klingler, Washington
AL – Danielle Gibson, Arkansas
ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM
P – Keely Rochard, Virginia Tech
P – Megan Faraimo, UCLA
P – Hailey Dolcini, Texas
C – Delanie Wisz, UCLA
1B – Karina Gaskins, Notre Dame
2B – Allie Skaggs, Arizona
3B – Sydney Sherrill, Florida State
SS – Skylar Wallace, Florida
OF – KB Sides, Arkansas
OF – Kiki Malloy, Tennessee
OF – Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma
UTIL – Miranda Elish, Oklahoma State
UTIL – Jada Cody, Central Florida
AL – Sydney McKinney, Wichita State
AL – Erin Coffel, Kentucky
AL – Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State
ALL-AMERICAN THIRD TEAM
P – Gabbie Plain, Washington
P – Hope Trautwein, Oklahoma
P – Chenise Delce, Arkansas
C – Haley Lee, Texas A&M
1B – Frankie Hammoude, Oregon State
2B – Janae Jefferson, Texas
3B – Sydney Pennington, Oklahoma State
SS – Briana Perez, UCLA
OF – Kendra Falby, Florida
OF – Emma Ritter, Virginia Tech
OF – Jazmine Hill, Arizona State
UTIL – Elizabeth Hightower, Florida
UTIL – Linnie Malkin, Arkansas
AL – Kimberly Wert, Missouri
AL – Katelynn Carwile, Oklahoma State
AL – Jordyn Rudd, Northwestern
The softball community in mourning the loss of National Softball Hall of Fame member and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Head Softball Coach, Joan Joyce, who passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022. She was 81 years old.
Softball is a team sport. But Hall of Famer Joan Joyce dominated it if it was an individual sport during a 21-year career for the Orange, CA Lionettes and the Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT. Born August 19, 1940, Joyce made her debut with the Brakettes in 1956 and played for them through 1963. From 1964-1966, she compiled a record of 80 wins and six losses pitching for the Orange, CA Lionettes. She re-joined the Brakettes in 1967 and remained until retiring after the 1975 season. As a Brakette, she won 429 games and lost 27 and struck out 5,677 batters in 3,397 innings. She hurled 105 no-hitters and 33 perfect games. Besides being a great hurler, Joyce also was one of the game’s all-time top hitters, finishing her career with a .327 batting average that included leading the Brakettes in batting times six times (1962, 1960, 1967-1969, 1973). Her highest single season average was .406 in 1973. She was a member of 12 national championship teams and 18 times was named an ASA All-America. Eight times she shared or won outright the MVP award in the Women’s National Championship. In 1974, Joan led the Brakettes to the world title in the third ISF Women’s World Championship. She was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame in 1999. Named by Sports Illustrated that year as the 13th greatest sports figure in Connecticut history.
“Joan Joyce was one of those rare people to enjoy success as both a player and a coach. After concluding an illustrious playing career that spanned parts of four decades in numerous sports, Joyce was named Head Softball Coach at FAU in 1994. The 2022 season was her 28th with the Owls. She was the only FAU softball head coach in program history, racking up 1,002 wins and eight Conference Coach of the Year titles in three different conferences along the way. Under Joyce, the program’s accomplishments are unparalleled: eight-consecutive Conference Championships (1997-2004) – 12 in all (2006, 2007, 2016, 2018) – and eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances (1997-2004) – 11 in all (2006, 2015, 2016).”
2021 held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 3-10.
Champion – Oklahoma Sooners (56-4) Runner Up – Florida State Seminoles (49-13)
On Thursday, the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Florida State Seminoles (49-13-1) by a score of 5-1 to claim the 2021 Women’s College World Series Championship. With the national title now in hand, OU finishes the season with an overall record of 56-4 (.933).
Left-handed ace pitcher Giselle ‘G’ Juarez received the start in the circle for the Sooners on Thursday. In the final game of her prolific collegiate career, the redshirt senior struck out seven ‘Noles while giving up just two hits on 112 total pitches.
With one out in the bottom of the first inning, USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Jocelyn Alo got the party started with a solo shot to left to give Oklahoma an early 1-0 lead.
With one out in the bottom of the second, freshman Jayda Coleman cranked a solo shot of her own to left to extend the Sooners’ lead to 2-0.
With two outs in the top of the third, Moore, Oklahoma native Sydney Sherril tacked a run on the board for Florida State after an infield pop-fly was lost in the sun and allowed a Seminole runner to come home. OU would hold onto a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the frame.
In the bottom of the third, NFCA Freshman of the Year Tiare Jennings got things started with a single up the middle. Following an FSU pitching change, Alo returned to the plate after crushing a home run earlier in the game and grounded out to third base to allow Jennings to move to second. Next, sophomore Kinzie Hansen was walked by the new pitcher to put two on with one out for the Sooners. Senior Nicole Mendes then grounded out to second, effectively pushing both her teammates into scoring position. Sophomore Mackenzie Donihoo was later walked in her at-bat to load the bases for Coleman.
Still in the third, a wild-pitch pushed across Jennings for an Oklahoma run. With two outs and Coleman still in the box, the star freshman doubled to the left wall to send two more Sooners home. The lead would stand at 5-1 going into the fourth.
Juarez was simply in her bag on Thursday. She led the charge from her command center in the circle to stifle Florida State’s batters. At the end of the day, her pitching sealed the deal and made this title win official for OU.
Earlier this season, when it became apparent that Oklahoma was on track to break numerous Division I records, the only thing that could have possibly kept this squad from making a true case for being the greatest team of all-time was the possibility of not winning a national title. One thing is now for certain — over the last four months, this group of Sooners displayed the greatest show of offense the game has ever seen, and by adding a WCWS Championship to their historic campaign, they’ll forever be in the discussion as being the greatest team to ever play the sport at this level.
Most Outstanding Player – Giselle Juarez, Oklahoma
Batting Leader – Kaley Mudge, Florida State (.500)
RBI Leader – Mackenzie Donihoo, Oklahoma (10)
Home Run Leader – Jocelyn Aho, Oklahoma (4)
ERA Leader – Giselle Juarez, Oklahoma (0.89)
Strikeout Leader – Giselle Juarez, Oklahoma (38)
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
P – Giselle Juarez, Oklahoma
P – Odicci Alexander, James Madison
P – Montana Fouts – Alabama
P – Kathryn Sandercock – Florida State
2B – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
OF – Mackenzie Donihoo, Oklahoma
OF – Kate Gordon, James Madison
OF – Nicole Mendes, Oklahoma
OF – Kaley Mudge, Florida State
UTIL – Jocelyn Aho, Oklahoma
UTIL – Bailey Hemphill, Alabama
SCORES
James Madison 4, Oklahoma 3
Oklahoma State 3, Georgia 2
Alabama 5 Arizona
UCLA 4, Florida State 0
James Madison 2, Oklahoma State 1
Alabama 6 UCLA 0
Oklahoma 8 Georgia 0 – Georgia eliminated
Florida State 4 Arizona 3 – Arizona eliminated
Oklahoma 10 UCLA 3 – UCLA eliminated
Florida State 4 Oklahoma State 2 – Oklahoma State eliminated
Oklahoma 6 James Madison 3
Florida State 2 Alabama 0
Oklahoma 7 James Madison 1 – James Madison eliminated
Florida State 8 Alabama 5 – Alabama eliminated
Florida State 8 Oklahoma 4
Oklahoma 6 Florida State 2
Oklahoma 5 Florida State 1 – Florida State eliminated
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Oklahoma Sooners (6-2)
2. Florida State Seminoles (5-3)
3. Alabama Crimson Tide (2-2)
4. James Madison Dukes (2-2)
5t. Oklahoma State Cowgirls (1-2)
5t. UCLA Bruins (1-2)
7t. Georgia Bulldogs (0-2)
7t. Arizona Wildcats (0-2)
NATIONAL SEEDS
Oklahoma
UCLA
Alabama
Florida
Oklahoma State
Arkansas
LSU
Missouri
Tennessee
Florida State
Arizona
Texas
Duke
Kentucky
Arizona State
Washington
REGIONALS
NORMAN REGIONAL
Oklahoma 19 Morgan State 0 (5 innings)
Wichita State 9 Texas A&M 7
Oklahoma 7 Wichita State 5
Texas A&M 9 Morgan State 3 – Morgan State eliminated
Wichita State 9 Texas A&M 6 – Texas A&M eliminated
Oklahoma 24 Wichita State 7 – Wichita State eliminated
Oklahoma qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
SEATTLE REGIONAL
Washington 3 Portland State 0
Michigan 2 Seattle 0
Michigan 2 Washington 1
Seattle 6 Portland State 5 – Portland State eliminated
Washington 8 Seattle (5 innings) – Seattle eliminated
Washington 2 Michigan 0
Washington 10 Michigan 5 – Michigan eliminated
Washington qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-1.
COLUMBIA REGIONAL
Missouri 8 UIC 0
Northern Iowa 8 Iowa State 0
Missouri 4 Northern Iowa 0
Iowa State 4 UIC 0 – UIC eliminated
Iowa State 4 Northern Iowa 3 – Northern Iowa eliminated
Missouri 5 Iowa State 0 – Iowa State eliminated
Missouri qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
KNOXVILLE REGIONAL
Tennessee 8 Eastern Kentucky 1
James Madison 4 Liberty 3 (10 innings)
James Madison 3 Tennessee 1
Liberty 5 Eastern Kentucky 1 – Eastern Kentucky eliminated
Liberty 3 Tennessee 1 – Tennessee eliminated
James Madison 8 Liberty 5 – Liberty eliminated
James Madison qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
STILLWATER REGIONAL
Oklahoma State 10 Campbell 0
Mississippi State 3 Boston University 1
Oklahoma State 9 Mississippi State 3
Campbell 7 Boston University 1 – Boston University eliminated
Mississippi State 12 Campbell 0 (5 innings) – Campbell eliminated
Oklahoma State 10 Mississippi State (5 innings) – Mississippi State eliminated
Oklahoma State qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
AUSTIN REGIONAL
Texas 12 Saint Francis (PA) 0 (5 innings)
Texas State 5 Oregon 1
Texas 6 Texas State 0
Oregon 7 Saint Francis (PA) 0 – Saint Francis (PA) eliminated
Oregon 2 Texas State 0 – Texas State eliminated
Oregon 3 Texas 2 (8 innings)
Texas 1 Oregon 0 – Oregon eliminated
Texas qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-1.
GAINESVILLE REGIONAL
Florida 1 South Florida 0
South Alabama 2 Baylor 0
Florida 10 South Alabama 0
South Florida 5 Baylor 0 – Baylor eliminated
South Florida 1 South Alabama 0 – South Alabama eliminated
Florida 8 South Florida 0 – South Florida eliminated
Florida qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
ATHENS REGIONAL
Duke 2 UNC Greensboro 0
Georgia 11 Western Kentucky 3 (6 innings)
Georgia 1 Duke 0
Western Kentucky 8 UNC Greensboro 4 – UNC Greensboro eliminated
Duke 4 Western Kentucky 0 (12 innings) – Western Kentucky eliminated
Georgia 10 Duke 9 – Duke eliminated
Georgia qualifies for the Super Regional, 3-0.
TUSCALOOSA REGIONAL
Alabama 9 Alabama State 0 (6 innings)
Clemson 8 Troy 0 (5 innings)
Alabama 6 Clemson 0
Troy 8 Alabama State 0 (6 innings) – Alabama State eliminated
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year – Jocelyn Aho, Oklahoma (.475 AVG, 34 HR, 89 RBI, 3 SB)
NFCA Player of the Year – Rachel Garcia, UCLA
NFCA National Pitcher of the Year – Montana Fouts, Alabama (27-4, 349 K, 1.61 ERA)
Softball America Pitcher of the Year – Odicci Alexander, James Madison (18-3, 204 K, 1.71 ERA)
NFCA National Freshman of the Year – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
Softball America Freshman of the Year – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
NFCA Cather of the Year – Dejah Mulipola, Arizona
NFCA Golden Shoe Award – Jenna Wildeman, Central Arkansas
ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM
P – Megan Faraimo, UCLA
P – Montana Fouts, Alabama
P – Keely Rochard, Virginia Tech
C – Dejah Mulipola, Arizona
1B – Alysen Febrey, Oklahoma State
2B – Tiare Jennings, Oklahoma
3B – Charla Echols, Florida
SS – Sami Williams, Iowa State
OF – Jocelyn Alo, Oklahoma
OF – Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma
OF – Maya Brady, UCLA
UTIL – Rachel Garcia, UCLA
UTIL – Aaliyah Jordan, UCLA
AL – Bailey Hemphill, Alabama
AL – Mary Haff, Arkansas
AL – Braxton Burnside, Arkansas
AL – Gabbie Plain, Washington
AL – Kayla Kowalik, Kentucky
ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM
P – Ashley Rogers, Tennessee
P – Carrie Eberle, Oklahoma State
P – Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State
C – Kinzie Hansen, Oklahoma
1B – Danielle Gibson, Arkansas
2B – Baylee Klingler, Washington
3B – Jenna Cone, George Washington
SS – Grace Lyons, Oklahoma
OF – Ailiyah Andrews, LSU
OF – Kiki Milloy, Tennessee
OF – Abby Sweet, Notre Dame
UTIL – Valerie Cagle, Clemson
UTIL – Deja Davis, Duke
AL – Odicci Alexander, James Madison
AL – Sis Bates, Washington
AL – Alex Storako, Michigan
AL – Taylor Pleasants, LSU
AL – Maddi Hackbarth, Arizona State
ALL-AMERICAN THIRD TEAM
P – Brooke Yanez, Oregon
P – Elizabeth Hightower, Florida
P – Alyssa Denham, Arizona
C – Haley Lee, Texas A&M
1B – Kaylee Tow, Alabama
2B – Hannah Adams, Florida
3B – Hannah Becerra, Cal State Fullerton
SS – Briana Perez, UCLA
OF – Brooke Wilmes, Missouri
OF – Haley Cruse, Oregon
OF – Janelle Meono, Arizona
UTIL – Paige Rauch, Villanova
UTIL – Hayley Busby, Oklahoma State
AL – Georgina Corrick, USF
AL – Mackenzie Boesel, South Carolina
AL – Jessie Harper, Arizona
AL – Sydney McKinney, Wichita State
AL – Janae Jefferson, Texas
When he broke the record in 1986 ASA Nationals beating Midland 1-0 with no hitter to win 45th career ASA National tournament game, he was 45-14 at the time. He lost his next two games at the 1986 Nationals and then went 1-5 in the next 3 Nationals he played in.
Statistics for just advanced play tournaments like states/regionals/nationals/worlds.
ASA Nationals – 46-21, 518 IP, 762 K, 3 National Championships, 11 All Americans, 5 MVP, 5 Most Valuable Pitcher
ASA States – 16-1, 126 IP, 211 K, 5 Championships, 2 MVP, 2 Most Valuable Pitcher
NSF Festival – 9-4, 80 IP, 109 K, 2 Championships
ISF World – 4-2, 59 IP, 98 K, 1 Championship, 1 MVP, 1 Most Valuable Pitcher
Pan Am Games – 6-1, 51 IP, 87 K
ISC National – 38-20, 449 IP, 661 K, 1 Championship, 5 All Worlds, 2 MVP, 1 Most Valuable Pitcher
ISC States – 26-2, 229 IP, 422 K, 12 Championships, 3 MVP, 4 Most Valuable Pitcher
TOTALS – 168-55, 1733 IP, 2714 K, 26 Championships, 16 All American/World, 16 MVP, 14 Most Valuable Pitcher
In ASA National Play, he hurled close to 20 shutouts and 8 no hitters, including 4 perfect games.
In ISC World play, he had another 21 shutouts with 3 no hitters and 2 perfect games.
In State and regional play, he probably had another 15 no hitters and 10 perfect games.
He saved his best for the big stage. In what is still considered the greatest pitching performance of all time in the 1972 ISF World Championships, he pitched an incredible 1-0 win over New Zealand and its ace pitcher, Kevin Herlihy, in 20 innings. For 18 2/3 innings Stofflet had a perfect game before a batter was hit by a pitch. Stofflet had two of the five hits off Herlihy including the game’s only RBI with a single in the top of the 20th inning. Stofflet finished with an incredible 32 strikeouts in a game.
He was a pitcher with no equal and what people fail to realize it that he also had a career batting average of over .300.
The 2020 NCAA Division I Softball season, play of college softball in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level, began February 6, 2020. The season ended on March 12, 2020, when the NCAA cancelled all winter championships and spring sports seasons due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 NCAA Division I Softball Tournament and 2020 Women’s College World Series, to be held Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, did not occur.
REGULAR SEASON
Softball America Wilson Division 1 Collegiate Player of the Year – Miranda Elish, Texas (P) (11-3, 84 IP, 96 Ks, ERA 1.25, 2 Shutouts; 20-54, .370, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs, 14 Runs)
Softball America Wilson Division 1 Collegiate Pitcher of the Year – Megan Faraimo, UCLA (P) (13-3, 90 IP, 149 IP, ERA 0.85, 5 Shutout)
Prior to the season ending this is where the final rankings and standings sat:
Rank
School
Points
Record
Previous
1
UCLA (32)
800
25-1
1
2
Washington
763
23-2
2
3
Texas
732
24-3
3
4
Arizona
693
22-3
4
5
LSU
649
21-3
5
6
Oklahoma
635
20-4
6
7
Florida
615
23-4
7
8
Louisiana
559
18-6
8
9
Oregon
531
22-2
9
10
Alabama
465
14-8
10
11
Kentucky
447
20-4
11
12
Florida State
418
17-7
12
12
Oklahoma State
418
19-5
13
14
Georgia
372
23-5
14
15
South Carolina
300
17-6
16
16
Virginia Tech
295
21-4
17
17
Arizona State
280
22-7
15
18
Michigan
233
15-8
18
19
Arkansas
185
19-6
20
20
Mississippi State
179
23-3
21
21
UCF
167
21-5-1
22
22
Minnesota
161
15-9-1
19
23
Baylor
122
19-5
24
24
Fresno State
93
21-4
25
25
Missouri
82
19-7
23
Oklahoma City just went through the final series of renovations to the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium which were completed weeks before the Women’s College World Series.
2020 ASA Hall of Fame Stadium
For a behind the scenes tour of the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex click here.
In 2005, the Wolverines won their first Women’s College World Series title in three games. Before being crowned champions, they lost the finals opener to defending national champion UCLA, 5-0.
Samantha Findlay a Wolverine freshman launched a three run home run in the top of the 11th to push Michigan ahead for good.
Afterward, coach Carol Hutchins analyzed her team’s performance. “We’re a better team than we showed; we’re trying too hard and we aren’t making adjustments. It’s a tough loss for us but we still have a chance, we’re not defeated and we’re still in it.”
Then-second baseman Tiffany Haas promised the team would come out playing higher-quality Michigan softball in game two. They did just that, beating the Bruins, 5-2.
Jessica Merchant and Becky Marx led the way offensively, each knocking in two runs after going a combined 0-for-5 in game one. Jennie Ritter earned the complete-game victory in the circle.
This year Super Regional were played. There were 16 regional tournaments with the winners heading to 8 super regional tournaments and then on to the WCWS.
Most Outstanding Player – Samantha Findlay, Michigan
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year – Cat Osterman, Texas (30-7, 0.36 ERA, 593 K)
ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM
P – Monica Abbott SO. Tennessee Lady Vols
P – Cat Osterman JR. Texas Longhorns
P – Jennie Ritter JR. Michigan Wolverines
C – Kristen Rivera SR. Washington Huskies
1B – Garland Cooper SO. Northwestern Wildcats
2B – Tiffany Haas SR. Michigan Wolverines
3B – Vicky Galindo SR. California Golden Bears
SS – Courtney Bures FR. Mississippi State Bulldogs
OF – Sarah Fekete JR. Tennessee Lady Vols
OF – Marissa Nichols FR. UNLV Rebels
OF – Caitlin Lowe SO. Arizona Wildcats
DP – Cameron Astiazaran SR. UIC Flames
UTIL – Amanda Scarborough FR. Texas A&M Aggies
AL – Kristie Fox SO. Arizona Wildcats
AL – Brianne McGowan JR. Oregon State Beavers
AL – Kim Wendland JR. Georgia Bulldogs
AL – Jamie Southern SR. Fresno State Bulldogs
AL – Heather Scaglione SR. Oklahoma State Cowgirls
ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM
P – Michelle Green SR. Georgia Bulldogs
P – Alicia Hollowell JR. Arizona Wildcats
P – Kristina Thorson JR. California Golden Bears
C – Ashley Courtney SR. Alabama Crimson Tide
1B – Jennifer Curtier SO. Pacific Tigers
2B – Caitlin Benyi JR. UCLA Bruins
3B – Kristi Durant JR. Tennessee Lady Vols
SS – Amber Jackson JR. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
OF – Catalina Morris JR. Stanford Cardinal
OF – Kristin Vesely JR. Oklahoma Sooners
OF – Harmony Schwethelm JR. Baylor Bears
DP – Megan Gibson SO. Texas A&M Aggies
UTIL – Holly Currie SO. Auburn Tigers
AL – Stephanie Churchwell FR. Northwestern Wildcats
AL – Anjelica Selden FR. UCLA Bruins
AL – Lindsay Schutzler SO. Tennessee Lady Vols
AL – Michelle Smith FR. Stanford Cardinal
ALL-AMERICAN THIRD TEAM
P – Megan Meyer SR. Seton Hall Pirates
P – Sarah Pauly SR. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders
P – Jessica Sallinger SR. Georgia Tech Yellowjackets
C – Rachel Folden FR. Marshall Thundering Herd
1B – Page Jones SR. Auburn Tigers
2B – Anne Steffan SR. Nebraska Cornhuskers
3B – Norrelle Dickson SO. Oklahoma Sooners
SS – Jessica Merchant JR. Michigan Wolverines
OF – Danyele Gomez JR. ULL Ragin’ Cajuns
OF – Megan Ciolli SR. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
OF – Tiffany Stewart JR. USF Bulls
DP – Nicole Motycka SR. Michigan Wolverines
UTIL – Ashley Esparza FR. Penn State Nittany Lions
AL – Lisa Birocci SR. Iowa Hawkeyes
AL – Kaleo Eldredge SR. California Golden Bears
AL – Courtnay Foster JR. Northwestern Wildcats
AL – Lauren Lappin JR. Stanford Cardinal
AL – Saskia Roberson JR. DePaul Blue Demons
2004 held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 27-31.
Champion – UCLA Bruins (47-9) Runner Up – California Golden Bears (53-13)
Bruins Go Back to Back for 10th Series Crown: UCLA’s Claire Sua homered and freshman Kristen Dedmon singled in two runs to lift the Bruins to their second straight Women’s College
World Series championship.
In a rematch of last year’s title game, UCLA downed California, 3-1, on Memorial Day in Oklahoma City, to collect its 10th NCAA crown. The Bruins became the first back-to-back champions since Arizona in 1996-97.
This was the 11th all-Pacific-10 Conference national championship final since 1991, the first year two Pac-10 teams appeared in the title game.
The Bears, who were making their third consecutive appearance in the championship game, opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. Lindsey James drew a walk from Bruins’ hurler Keira
Goerl and advanced to second on a Haley Woods single. Jessica Pamanian plated James on a one-hopper down the third base line that hit the bag and headed into left field to give California an early 1-0 lead.
Bears pitcher Kelly Anderson was perfect through four innings. She retired the first 12 UCLA batters she faced and recorded four strikeouts. Sua, the Bruins’ senior first baseman, swatted
Anderson’s first pitch of the fifth over the left center field fence to knot the game at 1-1. It was just Sua’s second hit of the Series, and only the 10th home run allowed by Anderson this year.
Anderson hit the next batter, Stephanie Ramos, and walked Jodie Legaspi before being relieved by Kristina Thorson. Baserunners Ramos and Legaspi also were exchanged for pinch runners Amanda Simpson and Tara Henry, who were bunted over by Emily Zaplatosch.
Dedmon, pinch hitting for Julie Hoshizaki in her only Series plate appearance, launched a shot up the middle that scored Simpson and Henry to break the tie and seal a 3-1 victory for the defending champs.
“Cal was an incredible opponent. I tip my cap to them,” said UCLA head coach Sue Enquist. “Keira (Goerl) did what she had to do to keep us in the ball game. I’m so extremely proud of this team
because they never stopped believing.”
Goerl, who no-hit California in last year’s championship game, allowed seven hits, struck out four and walked three in a complete-game effort. She closed the season at 31-7 and joins Arizona’s
Susie Parra (1993-94) and fellow Bruin Debbie Doom (1984-85) as the only pitchers to win backto-back championships.
With the losing effort, Anderson becomes the fourth pitcher in Women’s College World Series history to lose multiple title games. Anderson also fell short in last year’s championship matchup.
Diane Ninemire, head coach at California, said she was proud of the way the Bears opened the game.
“I thought that was a key thing for us to get a good start. Unfortunately, we fell behind, but my team kept fighting,” she said. “It was unfortunate that we did not get the key hit with people in scoring position. But I can’t be any prouder of this group of young ladies. They worked extremely hard throughout the year.”
The total attendance for this year’s Women’s College World Series topped out at 41,034 to break the previous mark of 38,102 established in 2001. The Bruins, who closed out the year at 47-9,
and the Bears, who finished at 53-13, played in front 5,735 fans, the second-largest crowd in Series championship-game history.
Most Outstanding Player – Kristin Schmidt, LSU
Batting Leader – Natasha Watley, UCLA – .440
RBI Leader – Jessica Pamanian, California – 4
Home Run Leader – Caitlin Benyi, UCLA – 2
ERA Leader – Keira Goerl, UCLA – 0.85
Strikeout Leader – Kristin Schmidt, LSU – 44
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
P – Kelly Anderson Junior California
P – Keira Goerl Senior UCLA
P – Jessica van der Linden Senior Florida State
1B – Christina Enea Junior Oklahoma
2B – Caitlin Benyi Sophomore UCLA
2B – Jessica Pamanian Junior California
SS – Lauren Lappin Sophomore Stanford
SS – Jodie Legaspi Freshman UCLA
3B – Vicky Galindo Junior California
OF – Lisa Dodd Freshman UCLA
OF – Camille Harris Sophomore LSU
SCORES
LSU 3 Michigan 2 (13 inn.)
UCLA 8 Stanford 2
Oklahoma 6 Washington 2
California 4 Florida State 2
UCLA 2 LSU 0
California 2 Oklahoma 1 (8 inn.)
Stanford 5 Michigan 4 – Michigan eliminated
Florida State 2 Washington 0 – Washington eliminated
Stanford 3 Oklahoma 2 – Oklahoma eliminated
LSU 2 Florida State 1 – Florida State eliminated
UCLA 3 Stanford 1 (12 inn.) – Stanford eliminated
LSU 4 California 1
California 4 LSU 1 – LSU eliminated
UCLA 3 California 1 – California eliminated
FINAL STANDINGS
1. UCLA Bruins (4-0)
2. California Golden Bears (3-1)
3. LSU Tigers (3-2)
4. Stanford Cardinal (2-2)
5t. Oklahoma Sooners (1-2)
5t. Florida State Seminoles (1-2)
7t. Washington Huskies (0-2)
7t. Michigan Wolverines (0-2)
2004 UCLA Bruins
REGIONALS
Ann Arbor Regional
Oregon State 7 Bowling Green 0
Tennessee 10 Illinois-Chicago 0 (5 inn.)
Notre Dame 8 DePaul 6
Michigan 6 Canisius 3
Illinois-Chicago 2 Bowling Green 1 (8 inn.) – Bowling Green eliminated
Houston 1 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 0 – Texas A&M-Corpus Christi eliminated
Baylor 5 Illinois 0
LSU 3 Seton Hall 0
Seton Hall 1 North Carolina 0 (12 inn.) – Seton Hall eliminated
Illinois 3 Houston 2 – Houston eliminated
LSU 7 Baylor 3 (10 inn.)
Illinois 2 Seton Hall 0 – Seton Hall eliminated
Illinois 4 Baylor 0 – Baylor eliminated
LSU 4 Illinois 1 – Illinois eliminated
LSU qualifies for the WCWS, 4-0.
REGULAR SEASON INFORMATION
Honda Sports Award – Jessica van der Linden, Florida State (29-8, 0.59 ERA, 387 K, .401 BA, 4 HR, 55 RBI)
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year – Jessica van der Linden, Florida State (29-8, 0.59 ERA, 387 K, .401 BA, 4 HR, 55 RBI)
ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM
P – Monica Abbott FR. Tennessee Lady Vols
P – Dana Sorensen SR. Stanford Cardinal
P – Alicia Hollowell SO. Arizona Wildcats
C – Kristen Rivera JR. Washington Huskies
1B – Kim Wendland JR. Georgia Bulldogs
2B – Caitlin Benyi SO. UCLA Bruins
3B – Vicky Galindo JR. California Golden Bears
SS – Christina Clark SO. Fresno State Bulldogs
OF – Nicole Barber SR. Georgia Bulldogs
OF – Iyhia McMichael JR. Mississippi State Bulldogs
OF – Caitlin Lowe FR. Arizona Wildcats
DP – Wendy Allen SR. Arizona Wildcats
UTIL – Jessica van der Linden SR. FSU Seminoles
AL – Gina Carbonatto FR. Pacific Tigers
AL – Autumn Champion SO. Arizona Wildcats
AL – Brooke Mitchell JR. ULL Ragin’ Cajuns
AL – Heather Scaglione JR. Oklahoma State Cowgirls
ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM
P – Keira Goerl SR. UCLA Bruins
P – Casey Hunter JR. FSU Seminoles
P – Kristina Thorson SO. California Golden Bears
C – Jessica Allister SR. Stanford Cardinal
1B – Vanessa Iapala SO. Oregon State Beavers
2B – Veronica Wootson FR. FSU Seminoles
3B – Phelan Wright SR. Arizona State Sun Devils
SS – Jessica Merchant JR. Michigan Wolverines
OF – Kaleo Eldredge JR. California Golden Bears
OF – LaDonia Hughes SR. LSU Tigers
OF – Kristen Zaleski SR. Texas State Bobcats
DP – Holly Groves SR. USF Bulls
UTIL – Jessica Beech SR. Michigan State Spartans
AL – Peaches James SR. Nebraska Cornhuskers
AL – Lauren Lappin SO. Stanford Cardinal
AL – Nicole Motycka JR. Michigan Wolverines
AL – Kristin Schmidt SR. LSU Tigers
ALL-AMERICAN THIRD TEAM
P – Jessica Kapchinski SR. Texas A&M Aggies
P – Kristen Keyes SR. Auburn Tigers
P – Jessica Sallinger JR. Georgia Tech Yellowjackets
C – Sara Dean JR. Auburn Tigers
1B – Saskia Roberson JR. DePaul Blue Demons
2B – Tiffany Haas SO. Michigan Wolverines
3B – Sara Larquier SO. Virginia Cavaliers
SS – Lauren May JR. Cornell Big Red
OF – Christen Bedwell SR. CSUN Matadors
OF – Megan Ciolli JR. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
OF – Leslie Klein FR. LSU Tigers
DP – Amanda Rivera SR. UIC Flames
UTIL – Sarah Martz SR. DePaul Blue Demons
AL – Leigh Ann Ellis SR. USF Bulls
AL – Dominique Lastrapes FR. Washington Huskies
AL – Jackie McClain SR. Alabama Crimson Tide
AL – Megan Meyer JR. Seton Hall Pirates
AL – Chelsea Spencer JR. California Golden Bears
