College Softball Weekend Recap
Another weekend of college softball is in the books. This weekend brought many conference rival series to the playing field. There were new coaching milestones met, record books re-written, standout pitching performances, outstanding offensive numbers, and extra-inning team victories. Below are five things that stood out to us at FPN, that you may have missed in college softball this past weekend.
Oklahoma Extends Win-Streak to 24 Games
The No. 3 Oklahoma softball team swept Iowa State in a Sunday doubleheader 8-1 and 9-5 to clinch the conference series at Marita Hynes Field. The Sooners moved to 33-2 on the season with an 8-0 record in Big 12 play while the Cyclones fell to 18-23 and 1-7 in the league. OU extended its winning streak to 24, the longest active streak in the nation, and improved its home win streak to 19, dating back to the 2017 season. Additionally, the Sooners are now undefeated in their last 46 Big 12 series, going 42-0-4 in that span. The series finale between the Sooners and the Cyclones will take place on Monday at noon.
Alabama Evens Series with Florida
Alabama softball evened its weekend series against Florida with a 3-2 win Sunday afternoon at Rhoads Stadium. Alabama scored first in the bottom of the first, and from there it was a boxing match between the two teams who exchanged runs in the fourth and fifth inning. With the victory, the Crimson Tide improved to 25-10, 6-5 SEC, while Florida moved to 33-6, 8-3 in the SEC. Tide sophomore Elissa Brown set the tone at the top of the order, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and a pair of stolen bases. Junior Courtney Gettins threw 4.2 innings in the start with senior Alexis Osorio (9-4) earning the win in relief, allowing just two hits over 2.1 innings pitched with four strikeouts. The series finale and rubber match will take place on Monday April 9th beginning at 6 p.m. CT.
Carlson Breaks Auburn Career Wins Record
Senior right-hander Kaylee Carlson set a new program record for career wins as she tossed her way to win No. 63 as No. 14 Auburn defeated No. 12 Tennessee 6-0 Sunday to win their fourth-straight SEC series. The senior from Garden Grove, Calif. dominated from start to finish, tossing her 10th complete game of the season. Carlson allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out five. Carlson’s shutout was the Tigers’ 21st of the season, which is second-most all time and just three games behind the program record of 24 set in 2004. Carlson (17-2) also achieved another milestone with the win as she completed the cycle of defeating every SEC team at least once in her career. Auburn returns to action on Friday against Missouri in Columbia, MO.
Washington Completes Third Pac-12 Series Sweep
The No. 1 Washington Huskies defeated Utah 2-1 Sunday, completing their third consecutive series sweep and taking sole possession of first place in the Pac-12. Noelle Hee hit a two-run home run to account for all Washington’s scoring in the game. The Huskies are 39-2 on the year now and 10-2 in the Pac-12. Taran Alvelo earned her 20th win of the season, allowing one run on two hits in the game. Utah finished the series with three hits over three games and just five total baserunners. Alvelo struck out seven and only allowed two runners to reach scoring position. Washington stays home for another Pac-12 series next week, hosting Cal April 13-15.
Texas A&M Wins Series at Mississippi State
The No. 10 Texas A&M softball team defeated No. 22 Mississippi State, 4-1, in eight innings to win the series at Nusz Park. Heading into the eighth inning tied at 1-1, the Aggies (34-9, 7-5 SEC) took advantage of a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt, allowing Keeli Milligan to score, before Tori Vidales sealed the victory with a two-run home run. Lexi Smith earned the win for the Aggies, throwing four innings of relief allowing just one hit with two strikeouts to move to 6-1 on the year. With the loss, the Bulldogs move to 29-11 overall, and 4-8 in the SEC. Up next, the Aggies host Kentucky for a three-game home series beginning Friday April 13.
