Women’s College World Series Semi-Final: Washington vs. Oklahoma Recap
Game 1 Semi-Final: Washington vs. Oklahoma
Washington gave the ball to right hander Taran Alvelo for the first semi-final matchup of the day. The junior, came out firing and recorded a one-two-three first inning. Senior Paige Lowary would take the mound for Oklahoma in the bottom of the inning.
In the bottom of the first with one out, Sis Bates bunted for a single, stole second, and advanced to third on the throw. Julia DePonte hit a ball in the 5-6 hole that would stay in the infield, scoring Bates from third to put the Huskies up 1-0. Kirstyn Thomas punched a hit through the 3-4 hole in the next at bat, but the Sooner right fielder threw out DePonte who was trying to advance to third. A two out walk put Huskies on first and second. Lowary settled down and retired the third out of the inning via fly out to left.
OU’s Nicole Pendley led off the top of the second with a base hit to right field. Falepolima Aviu followed the at bat with a base hit into left field. With runners on first and second and no outs, Alvelo retired the next three Sooner hitters by strikeout, line drive out, and strikeout.
After a leadoff single in the bottom of the third, Oklahoma went to the bullpen and brought in Paige Parker. The senior threw 14.0 innings of shutout softball on Saturday. A bunt moved the Husky base runner to second. DePonte singled up the middle to put Huskie runners on the corners. After a pop up out, Noelle Hee delivered a base hit through the 3-4 hole to record the second Washington run of the game. After three, the Huskies led the Sooners 2-0.
In the top of the fifth, Kelsey Arnold dropped down a bunt single. Alvelo garnered two quick outs going right at the next two Sooner hitters. Jocelyn Alo stepped up to the plate and delivered a base hit up the middle. With runners on first and second, Shay Knighten hit a liner into right field but Trysten Melhart made the diving catch to end the inning.
In the bottom of the fifth, DePonte took a ball deep over the right center field wall, giving Washington an insurance run and making the score 3-0.
With OU down to their final three outs, Caleigh Clifton punched a base hit up the middle giving the Sooners a base runner. Alvelo held her composure on the mound and retired the next Sooner hitters via strikeout and two ground outs to secure the 3-0 victory.
Washington advances to the Women’s College World Series Championship and will face either UCLA or Florida State in a best of three-game series beginning Monday June 4.
