The Women’s College World Series final between the #1 Oklahoma Sooners (59-1) and #3 Florida State Seminoles (58-9) begin Wednesday at 8pm on ESPN in Oklahoma City. Although these two teams have both had incredible years and deserve to be recognized, it is more than just a best-of-three series that we will be watching.
The Sooners have a chance to become the second team in NCAA history to win the WCWS three times in a row, a streak that started in 2021 when Oklahoma defeated Florida State 5-1 in the final game. No team has ever won four, but they would join UCLA (1990-1992) as the only other team to hoist the trophy three straight times.
It is hard to describe just how dominant this team has been for the past three years. It almost seems like they are playing a video game on rookie mode, and everyone else is playing on the Hall of Fame difficulty level. Over the past three years they hold an overall record of 174-8, have a conference record of 51-2, and have given up less than 1.5 earned runs per game over that stretch. I feel like dominance just isn't the right word here, it is more than that. It is…a dynasty.
As for the matchup, the Seminoles are no joke and will certainly put up a worthy fight. Their NCAA tournament leading 5.3 runs per game will serve as the catalyst for them if they have any shot here. Keep an eye out for Kaley Mudge (.400 in the NCAA tournament), Kalei Harding (.400) and Michaela Edenfield (.375) when they enter the batter's box. If these women do what they are capable of, expect some drama in this series. In the circle for FSU will be Kathryn Sandercock, who is 28-3 on the year and has an ERA of just above 1.05 per game.
How does this compare to what Oklahoma has to offer? Well, the Sooners lead the nation in runs per game throughout the year averaging over 8 runs a night, they have scored 5 runs per game over the tournament, have the best team ERA in the nation at 0.98, and I would be a fool not to mention the three ladies they have slugging over .800 in Tiare Jennings, Alyssa Brito and Jayda Coleman. I have tried like hell to find a con that this Oklahoma team brings to the table, and Jimmy V would be disappointed to hear that I am giving up.
I am excited for this series, and you should be too. I think Oklahoma takes this one in three games and becomes a part of history. 8pm on ESPN tomorrow night.
Comments