
23 under 23 for 2023: Young stars shine bright in women’s sports
From Sophia Smith to Suni Lee to Aliyah Boston, keep your eye on these athletes.
For some freshmen, the big stage can be overwhelming. Those freshmen aren’t named Kaeli Harding and Kaley Mudge.
Harding had a home run and four runs batted in to lead the way for the Seminoles. Not to be outdone, Mudge had three hits of her own, increasing her WCWS total to a record-tying 13. Before the World Series, the freshman had 16 hits all season.
Despite a late-effort comeback by Oklahoma, Florida State’s offensive explosion was too much to overcome as the Seminoles beat the Sooners 8-4.
Harding had the first big play of the night, with a monster throw in the second that led to an out at third.
What 💪 a 💪 throw! 💪 @kaleiharding
— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) June 9, 2021
📺 @espn#WCWS x @FSU_Softball pic.twitter.com/qWldSjjpYY
From there, Florida State’s bats came alive, as Harding then launched a dinger in the top of the third to put the Seminoles on the board first.
Harding has defense and offense on 🔒 tonight! @kaleiharding#WCWS x 🎥 @FSU_Softball pic.twitter.com/BsCTGX4WyR
— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) June 9, 2021
She then hit a double in the second to bring in two more and bring the lead total to four.
KALEI. HARDING. 🤯 @kaleiharding#WCWS x 🎥 @FSU_Softball pic.twitter.com/7ESirgrtKX
— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) June 9, 2021
Not one to go quietly, the Sooners would prove just how dangerous they are – even when down big. In the bottom of the sixth, Mackenzie Danihoo hit a double to cut the lead to three.
Lou comes through for the Sooners! 💥
— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) June 9, 2021
📺 @espn#WCWS x @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/AcTAU7HiP8
The second game of the series kicks off tonight on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET, with Florida State having the chance to win yet another national title.
From Sophia Smith to Suni Lee to Aliyah Boston, keep your eye on these athletes.
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