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📺 @espn#WCWS x @FSU_Softball pic.twitter.com/qWldSjjpYY— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) June 9, 2021
What 💪 a 💪 throw! 💪 @kaleiharding📺 @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
Harding has defense and offense on 🔒 tonight! @kaleiharding#WCWS x 🎥 @FSU_Softball pic.twitter.com/BsCTGX4WyR
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
KALEI. HARDING. 🤯 @kaleiharding#WCWS x 🎥 @FSU_Softball pic.twitter.com/7ESirgrtKX
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! 💥📺 @espn#WCWS x @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/AcTAU7HiP8— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) June 9, 2021
Lou comes through for the Sooners! 💥📺 @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.