State Of Oklahoma Shines At WCWS

The stakes continue to get higher, and the field continues to dwindle at the 2022 Women's College World Series. Day three of action saw Oklahoma and Oklahoma State punch a ticket to the national semifinals with victories on Saturday. Texas and Florida were both defeated, sending them to the losers' bracket, where they will face Arizona and UCLA, respectively.

Game Seven: Oklahoma 7, Texas 2

The Red River Rivalry was renewed on the sport's biggest stage, and on ABC for the very first time. Jocelyn Alo launched her 30th home run of the season in the first inning to become the only player to hit 30 or more home runs in three different seasons. Texas was able to counter with a run on an Alyssa Washington double to trim the deficit in half.

But the floodgates opened for Oklahoma in the fourth, as Jayda Coleman and Alo delivered base hits that brought in runs and chased Texas starter Hailey Dolcini. The Longhorns brought in Sophia Simpson to limit the damage, but Tiare Jennings hit a two-run blast to extend Oklahoma's lead. Alyssa Brito added another run in the seventh to cap the scoring. Sooners starter Hope Trautwein settled in and only allowed one run after the first inning when Janae Jefferson swung at the first pitch she saw and sent it out to right field.

The Sooners now await their next opponent, while the Longhorns will try to keep their season alive by taking on Arizona on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Game Eight: Oklahoma State 2, Florida 0

For the second consecutive night, the nightcap featured a low-scoring affair, as Florida and Oklahoma State engaged in a pitchers' duel. Ultimately, the Cowgirls were able to take down the Gators in a tight game that came down to the final out. Kelly Maxwell was exceptional in the circle, as she threw a three-hit shutout with nine strikeouts. Julia Cottrill, a Florida transfer, had herself a day against her former team, going 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI.

The Cowgirls were able to scratch across the first run on three consecutive bunts to load the bases on Florida starter Lexie Delbrey. Natalie Lugo then entered in relief, but the Cowgirls tacked on another run when Cottrill singled to left field. Florida had its best opportunity to score in the top of the sixth inning, but could not capitalize on the opportunity.

With their victory, the Cowgirls advance to the national semifinals, while the Gators move on to face UCLA in an elimination game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.

2023 Women's College World Series Preview

Oklahoma, Florida State, Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Washington, Stanford and Utah will compete for a national title.