By OKLAHOMA CITY — As the Women’s College World Series continues into Day 3, anticipation is at an all-time high with two thrilling matchups in the winner’s bracket. On Saturday, June 1, the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners will face the No. 6 UCLA Bruins at 3 p.m. Eastern on ABC, followed by a clash between the No. 1 Texas Longhorns and the No. 4 Florida Gators at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Fans who have parted ways with their cable provider can catch the game at no cost by taking advantage of streaming alternatives like FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, which both offer free trials. Also, Sling TV has promotional pricing offers for new customers.
Both of Saturday’s games will also stream on ESPN+, for a fee. The service does not offer a free trial.
2 Oklahoma vs. No. 6 UCLA
The Oklahoma Sooners and the UCLA Bruins are set to square off in what promises to be a heavyweight bout. Both teams come into this game riding the momentum of impressive victories.
The Sooners showcased their offensive firepower in their 9-1 run-rule win over Duke. Kinzie Hansen was the star, delivering a pivotal two-run home run in the third inning that sparked a remarkable comeback. Hansen, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, was instrumental in extending Oklahoma’s NCAA record to 19 consecutive NCAA Tournament wins. The Sooners (55-6) have also won nine consecutive WCWS games.
The Sooners, aiming for a historic fourth consecutive NCAA Division I softball championship, have a potent lineup that will challenge any pitching staff.
On the other hand, UCLA demonstrated resilience and clutch hitting in their 4-1 victory over Alabama. The game was deadlocked at 1-1 until Jordan Woolery’s three-run homer in the sixth inning broke the tie and secured the win for the Bruins. UCLA’s ability to capitalize in high-pressure situations was evident, with Janelle Allchin contributing an early RBI single to set the tone. The Bruins’ pitching and timely hitting will be crucial against a formidable Oklahoma squad.
Expect a high-energy game as Oklahoma’s relentless offense goes up against UCLA’s clutch performers. The key for UCLA will be to keep Oklahoma’s hitters at bay, while the Sooners will look to continue their dominance with timely hits and solid pitching.
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 4 Florida
The evening matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators features two teams that have excelled under pressure and showcased remarkable pitching prowess in their opening games.
Texas’ freshman sensation Teagan Kavan was nothing short of spectacular in her WCWS debut. Kavan threw a complete game, one-hit shutout against Stanford, striking out eight and outdueling the nation’s best pitcher, Nijaree Canady. The Longhorns’ 4-0 victory was a testament to Kavan’s resilience and maturity beyond her years, particularly after a challenging Super Regional. With a solid lineup backing her, Texas will look to continue their winning ways.
Florida, too, relied on stellar pitching to edge past Oklahoma State in a 1-0 thriller. Keagan Rothrock was the star, pitching seven scoreless innings and allowing only two hits. Her duel with OSU’s Lexi Kilfoyl was a showcase of top-tier pitching, but it was Katie Kistler’s solo home run in the fifth inning that made the difference. The Gators’ ability to win close games will be put to the test against a Texas team that can both pitch and hit effectively.
This matchup will likely be a pitcher’s duel, with both Kavan and Rothrock aiming to keep the opposing offenses in check. Florida’s ability to capitalize on limited opportunities will be crucial, while Texas will rely on Kavan’s arm and a balanced offensive attack to secure their spot in the next round.
Here’s more information on how to watch Day 3 of the Women’s College World Series on TV or streaming services:
What: Women’s College World Series, Day 3
When: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: First game at 3 p.m. Eastern
Where: OGE Field at Devon Park | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Channel: ABC/ESPN
Best streaming options: FuboTV, DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (half off first month), ESPN+
Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DirecTv, Dish, Verizon Fios
Here’s more background on No. 1 Texas’ late Thursday victory in their first game of the WCWS, via the Associated Press.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Teagan Kavan threw a one-hitter, and No. 1 seed Texas defeated Stanford 4-0 on Thursday in the Women’s College World Series opener for both teams.
Kavan, a freshman, struck out eight and walked four in seven innings.
“Adversity creates opportunity,” Texas coach Mike White said. “Teagan has come through. Each time she goes out there, I think she gets stronger.”
Now, White has a pitcher who has learned how to handle pressure on the big stage.
“If you don’t have nerves, you’re not firing, getting ready to go play,” he said. “She’s been able to kind of channel those things into energy and be able to control it. I just like that growth. I’m excited to see how she does coming into the rest of the tournament.”
Kayden Henry had two hits and scored a run for the Longhorns (53-8).
Kavan won the pitching matchup against Stanford’s NiJaree Canady, the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. Canady allowed four runs on five hits and struck out five in six innings. She had a wild pitch and walked four.
“Yeah, this is not my best game,” Canady said. “Too many walks, too many wild pitches. Just looking to get better tomorrow.”
Ava Gall had the only hit for No. 8-seed Stanford (48-16).
Texas will play No. 4 Florida on Saturday, with the winner of that game reaching the semifinals. Stanford faces Oklahoma State on Friday in an elimination game. The event has a double-elimination format in bracket play before shifting to the best-of-three championship series.
Texas got to Canady in the third. Bella Dayton’s RBI single opened the scoring. Mia Scott singled and Dayton avoided a tag at the plate to give Texas a 2-0 lead.
Stanford got two on with one out in the fifth, but failed to score.
Texas got insurance in the sixth when Henry knocked in two on a single with the bases loaded to make it 4-0.
White expected runs to be difficult to get against Canady.
“We knew it was going to be a tough matchup,” White said. “She is as tough as they come. Obviously it was good to get out there and get a couple of runs up, being able to get those extra runs in the last innings.”
It was the second straight year Canady got stuck facing the No. 1 seed and the top hitting team in the nation in her team’s first World Series game. She lost to Oklahoma 2-0 in the opener last season.
There’s hope for the Cardinal. With Canady leading the way, they reached the semifinals last year after losing their opener.
