This month I had the opportunity to attend two women's college world series games in OKC. Naturally, I was there to root for the Oklahoma Sooners. Regardless of whom I rooted for, I want to focus this post on my experience at the WCWS from opening day until the champion was crowned.
The first game I was able to attend was Round 1 on June 1, 2023. Oklahoma and Stanford were going to face off on the diamond that afternoon. I got off work early (shout out to my boss), and made my way to OKC. If you've never been to the WCWS, there are several different places you can park. We chose to park at Remington Park (a casino and horse racing track) which is between one-half and three-fourths of a mile away from the stadium depending on where you park. Although there were shuttles, we chose to walk. Let me tell you, it's a good workout going up some of the hills on the way to the stadium.
Upon entering the Hall of Fame Stadium parking lot, I heard and saw the WCWS Fan Fest. I was so excited to see such a display at a women's sporting event. There was fun music playing, a big merchandise store, food trucks/stands, games for people to play like a wiffle ball home run derby, AND Jocelyn Alo was there to take pictures with fans to promote her new line of bats. For those that don't know, Jocelyn Alo is an OU softball alum who holds the records for most homeruns in a collegiete career (122), and she is currently a professional softball player for the Oklahoma City Spark. There was a really good crowd for a Thursday in the middle of the afternoon!
After walking through the Fan Fest, we finally made our way into the stadium. I love the way the stadium feels during the WCWS. There's so much excitement and anticipation. I also like the way the stadium looks. For the World Series, they add metal bleachers to the outfield in order to allow more fans to come, so it amplifies the environment.
The game between OU and Stanford was an absolute pitching battle. Jordy Bahl of Oklahoma and NiJaree Canady of Stanford put on a clinic. They were so skillful with each throw that both teams had a hard time putting the ball into play. Also, props to the Stanford crowd, because even though their section was small--they were LOUD and INVESTED in their team. Ultimately the game came down to one base hit to left field. OU got the hit and a fumbled fielding of the ball caused two runners to cross home instead of just one. OU won the game 2-0 to advance to the next round. It was a battle the whole time and kept me on my toes. Hats off again to both pitchers...because...WOW!
Although I did not attend the next games and just watched from home, Stanford went to the losers' bracket and fought their way back in order to play OU again for a spot in the national championship. After extra innings, OU won 4-2 to advance to the national championship series against Florida State.
Tickets were reasonably priced for the first round of the champ series, but due to not wanting to take off more work and trying to save some money--we watched at home. FSU did not start their ace pitcher Kathryn Sandercock, which I think all of the softball world found strange. Regardless, OU went on to win 5-0 to come within one win of the championship.
We did attend game two! We did not want to miss out on a chance to watch OU potentially win another natty. Immediately after work, I rushed to my car to head to OKC. All was going well until I got closer to the parking lot...TRAFFIC. Lines upon lines of cars on the road were trying to get to the game. As a fan, I loved that so many people wanted to go watch and support; but as a driver, it was H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.
I found a spot toward the back of the parking lot, changed into my OU clothes and met my husband and brother to walk to the game together. My brother and I were nervous-excited...my husband was just excited. His statement "do you really think OU is going to lose?" I wish I had his sure-confidence in things, but I guess I'm a pessimist at heart. Although I had all the faith in the world in OU's amazing team, FSU was dang good too! We trekked toward the stadium. I was sad to see the fan fest was gone but the merchandise store stood strong. Due to being right on time, the lines into the stadium were not bad. Unfortunately, we were starving and the concession lines were very long. Luckily we found a food truck with a shorter line so we were able to get food and not miss any of the game.
We were in the 200s section and surrounded by fellow OU fans. Once again, the game was a battle. THIS DID NOT HELP MY NERVES! Around mid-game, we needed another trip to the concession stand. Of course, during our time away, FSU hit a home run to take the lead 1-0. We were near the FSU fans so we first heard them going crazy, then the FSU fight song. YIKES for us!
FSU's batting time ended and while we were ordering our food we heard ooooooooo....YEAH!!! Then the crowd went crazy and "Boomer Sooner" started to play. Cyd Sanders for OU got a solo home run to tie the game...and we were ordering food (UGH!). We got our food and started swiftly walking back to our seats but stopped in our tracks to watch Grace Lyons up to bat. I said "watch this double right here, babe" while Chad said "she's about to get a home run." Well, one of us was right...and it was not me! Grace hits another solo bomb right after Cyd to put OU in the lead 2-1. IT WAS AMAZING. I was so happy to see Grace get a homerun in that moment, she's such a great human.
Ultimately, OU went on to score another run during the game to make the score 3-1. BUT, FSU got the last at bat. The Sooner softball alumni rallied the crowd with the Boomer Sooner chant before the start of the bottom of the 7th inning. The energy was fantastic. The first out was achieved via strike out. The second batter hit a grounder to the short stop, Grace Lyons, who threw to Cyd Sanders at first. The throw was a smidge off so, with quick-thinking, Cyd tagged the runner out. (Boomer Sooner chant seen below)
OU was down to one more out to make softball history. The energy was somehow rowdy and still, nervous yet confident. Bahl got two quick strikes on the girl, but the girl battled back to a full count. Suspense was building, just one more strike. Bahl threw the final pitch, and... A SWING AND MISS! The last batter struck out for OU to win their third straight national championship, and seventh in history. (The final strike can be seen below)
We stayed to watch the awards ceremony, which is exactly how you expect one to go. They say names, we cheer, they get trophies. BUT my two favorite parts were right before the ceremony and at the end of the ceremony. Before the ceremony, OU and FSU gathered in the pitching circle for a prayer together: celebrating love, unity and a higher-calling. It was such a wonderful display of sportsmanship and discipleship.
At the end of the ceremony, the song chosen as OU walked toward center field for more photos was "Nobody" by Casting Crowns. As a Christian, it warmed my soul to hear the fans singing and worshipping after a win. Many people don't like OU softball because of their energy and how they choose to display their passion on the field; but at the end of the day, the girls didn't choose to walk to center field to a song about personal victory--they chose a song echoing their love of God (which can also be seen in this press conference). It was a great moment to close a historic season.
I'll end with this, softball is growing. It's loud, it's proud and it's gaining attention. To see the fans, the festivities and the love of the game is truly so inspiring for the next generation of female athletes. Over time, I cannot wait to see what becomes of softball and the WCWS: it's only going to be bigger and better.
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven."-Matthew 10:32
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