Kalei Harding helps lift Florida State over Oklahoma

@FSU_Softball

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

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.