The Oklahoma Sooners sit atop the world of college softball as the 2021 National Champions. Scoring five runs in a decisive game three, the program held the Florida State Seminoles to a single score. The effort produced a 2-1 series lead as Jocelyn Alo and the rest of the team lifted the trophy high in the sky.
OFFENSIVE GAME DEFINING MOMENT
Known for the long ball, Oklahoma recorded two homeruns in the early inning of the game. Yet, it was a much different story in the third inning where the Sooners did most of their damage.
After a lead off single from Tiare Jennings up the middle and advancing to second on a groundout, the program found itself in a position to manufacture a few runs. Applying the pressure, Kinzie Hansen drew the walk to put two runners on with just a single out. Later Nicole Mendes moved the runners over with yet another groundout in the inning. Down to one final out and two runners in scoring position, Lou Donihoo drew the walk to load the bases.
Feeling the intensity of the moment, the FSU pitcher let one get away from her as Jennings scored and the other runners moved around the bases. Adding to her big day, Jayda Coleman cemented the Sooner lead with a bases-clearing double putting OU in firm control of the contest.
DEFENSIVE GAME DEFINING MOMENT
Once again, Giselle Juarez provided the spark defensively. Getting better pitch by pitch, the lefty kept the opposing batters guessing. Going the distance, the senior pitched back-to-back complete games. However, there was no bigger moment for Juarez than the seventh inning.
After going 0-2 in the Championship Series in 2019, Juarez stepped into the circle looking to right the ship. Staring down the Seminole hitters, the hurler delivering pitch after pitch. Settling into a bit of a groove, Juarez sat down Cassidy Davis on a called strike three. As the crowd grew louder, the pitcher repeated the feat as Dani Morgan watched the a third strike go by. Once gain, the noise level ramped up as the emotion got the best of Juarez. Walking the next batter, the hurler would record the final out with a infield pop up to the pitcher.