The Oklahoma Sooners take their next step toward winning their third straight national championship on Thursday when the Women’s College World Series begins day one.
There are several intriguing matchups to watch on Thursday and while the Sooners are the favorites, they’ll face challenges on their side of the bracket from every team.
Led by Ashley Jones, Tennessee is No. 2 in the nation in team ERA, and Stanford’s NiJaree Canady leads the nation in ERA. The Volunteers are also No. 2 in the nation in scoring offense. Alabama isn’t a team to sleep on either, with Montana Fouts leading the way for the Crimson Tide.
The other side of the bracket doesn’t have to face UCLA, but Florida State and Oklahoma State are playing good ball. Washington and Utah have been battle-tested through the Pac-12.
Thursday’s matchups are just the beginning of the double-elimination bracket. The first-round elimination games will take place on Friday.
Here’s a look at Thursday’s matchups and how to watch.
No 4. Tennessee vs. No. 5 Alabama: 11:00 am CDT on ESPN
No. 1 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Stanford: 1:30 pm CDT on ESPN
No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 6 Oklahoma State: 6:00 pm CDT on ESPN
No. 7 Washington vs. No. 15 Utah: 8:30 pm CDT on ESPN
š @USASoftball Hall of Fame Complex#WCWS pic.twitter.com/sjoxqSJw8t
— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) May 31, 2023
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