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The Women’s College World Series (WCWS) is one of the most prestigious events in collegiate softball. It features the top eight teams from across the country competing for the national championship. Florida State University (FSU) softball team had an eventful journey to the 2021 WCWS. FSU softball leapt forward with its ace stepping back, creating a compelling story of resilience, teamwork, and triumph.
FSU had a strong season, accumulating a 44-10 record before heading to the WCWS. They defeated LSU, which was the first time the Seminoles had ever beaten the Tigers in the NCAA Tournament. However, their star pitcher, Kathryn Sandercock, had stepped back to help the team despite her immense success on the mound. With an ERA of 1.20 and 197 strikeouts in the season, Sandercock was one of the most dominant pitchers in college softball. Nevertheless, her selflessness would pave the way for the rest of the team to take center stage in the WCWS.
The WCWS began with a double-elimination format, with FSU setting its sights on taking down UCLA, the defending champions, in their first matchup. With Sandercock watching from the dugout, the Seminoles’ offense came to life. They defeated the Bruins 3-2, thanks to three home runs. Elizabeth Mason hit two, while Devyn Flaherty delivered the game-winner. It was a significant upset, with FSU proving that they could win without their ace pitcher.
The Seminoles faced another significant challenge in their second game against the University of Oklahoma, who had won four national championships in the past nine years. The Sooners had a powerful lineup, including the two-time USA Softball Player of the Year, Jocelyn Alo. The game turned into a slugfest, with the two teams combining for eight home runs. However, it was FSU’s unheralded shortstop, Josie Muffley, who hit the game-winning home run to give her team a 4-3 victory. Muffley had only hit four home runs all season but was clutch when it mattered the most.
FSU’s next game was against the University of Alabama, with the winner advancing to the championship series. The Crimson Tide had an excellent season, finishing with a 52-9 record and the SEC regular-season title. However, the game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to produce runs. The game went into extra innings, with FSU scoring the game-winning run in the top of the eighth inning. They advanced to the championship series for the third time in program history.
FSU’s opponent in the championship series was the University of Oklahoma, who had defeated the University of Georgia in the other semi-final. The Sooners were the favorites, with a powerhouse lineup that included Jocelyn Alo and Tiare Jennings, who had hit 30 home runs apiece in the season. However, FSU’s pitching duo of Danielle Watson and Sandercock held the Sooners in check, only allowing one run in the first game of the championship series. The Seminoles won 8-4, with five players hitting home runs in the game. They only needed to win one game on Wednesday to secure their second national championship in program history.
The final game of the championship series began with a bang, with both teams scoring three runs in the first inning. Sandercock took the mound for the Seminoles, determined to deliver a dominant performance. She struck out seven batters and only allowed one run in the game. FSU’s offense continued to produce, scoring four more runs in the game. They won 8-3, securing their second national championship in program history. Sandercock was named the WCWS Most Outstanding Player, even though she only started two games in the tournament. It was a fitting end for a team that had battled adversity all season and triumphed despite losing their star player.
FSU’s journey to the 2021 WCWS was one of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. They proved that they could win without their ace pitcher, Kathryn Sandercock, stepping up when their team needed them the most. It was a story of selflessness and determination that will inspire many young softball players for years to come. FSU’s national championship victory is a testament to the power of teamwork and the spirit of competition.
