OU punches ticket to Women's College World Series
OU punches ticket to Women's College World Series
NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma needed all seven innings, not that a victory ever was in doubt.
The top-seeded Sooners beat Central Florida 7-1 to sweep their Super Regional series and move on to the Women’s College World Series.
The day was highlighted by two home runs from Grace Lyons and Jocelyn Alo homering and receiving a standing ovation after she was walked in the top of the seventh.
Nicole May, who threw all seven frames, ensured OU’s seniors went out on top in their last home game, allowing three hits, striking out four and giving up one run.
“This is the best way we could have ended it for our seniors, doing it for them and putting a smile on their face, seeing them carry the panel to home plate,” Lyons said. “It's something that you look forward to, growing up through the program. So once you're a senior, it's super special for them and I'm happy we could get the W the way we did today.”
UCF's defense held strong through the first three frames, allowing five hits but surrendering just two runs and leaving seven Sooners stranded.
OU finally broke the game open in the fourth inning with Lyons’ second home run of the afternoon — a 3-run shot to right center to give her 21 home runs this season.
It was an emotional day for OU’s graduating seniors, especially Alo.
“ I can't even put it into words what it is that I'm feeling, but nothing but grateful for this Sooner program and the Sooner fans and just the energy they bring every day, every game,” Alo said. “… It's been a wonderful five years. And at the end of the day, this isn't where we want to end. We know where we want to be. So, I'm not too high or too low. I'm just blinders on and just keep looking ahead.”
Next stop, Oklahoma City.
Notes
Oklahoma will appear in its sixth consecutive Women’s College Worlds Series. The Sooners have won three of the last five national championships.
OU continued its streak of Super Regional sweeps. The. Sooners have won their last six Super Regional series in two games with no losses. The last time OU lost in the Super Regionals was a 5-3 loss to Alabama in 2015, which eliminated OU from the postseason.
OU will try to become the fifth team since 2000 to repeat as national champions The others: Oklahoma, 2016-17; Florida 2014-15; Arizona, 2006-07; UCLA 2003-04.
Postgame presser
Scoring summary
Top of the 1st
OU 1, UCF 0 — Alyssa Brito singled through the left side, RBI (2-1 BFB); Grace Lyons advanced to second; Tiare Jennings advanced to third; Jayda Coleman scored.
Top of the 3rd
OU 2, UCF 0 — Lyons homered to left field, RBI (0-1 K).
Top of the 4th
OU 5, UCF 0 — Lyons homered to right center, 3 RBI (3-1 KBBB); Jennings scored; Jocelyn Alo scored, unearned.
Top of the 5th
OU 6, UCF 0 — Jana Johns homered to center field, RBI (1-0 B).
Top of the 6th
OU 7, UCF 0 — Alo homered, RBI (3-2 BBBKF).
Bottom of the 6th
OU 7, UCF 1 — Jada Cody homered to left field, RBI (2-2 KBKB).