College softball POY finalists: One shining moment from each nominee

USA Softball announced the three finalists for its collegiate player of the year award Wednesday: Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo, South Florida’s Georgina Corrick and Washington’s Baylee Klingler.

Previous winners include Cat Osterman and Alo, who won the award in 2021.

Just Women’s Sports breaks down each candidate and provides one highlight from each of their stellar seasons.

Jocelyn Alo, Oklahoma, Big 12

Alo has been just as good, if not better, than she was last season — and her 2021 campaign proved good enough to secure player of the year honors.

She leads the nation in slugging percentage (1.128) and on-base percentage (.622). She also ranks second in batting average (.481) and third in home runs (25), she broke the NCAA Division I softball home run record in March. Since then, she’s become the all-time home runs leader across baseball or softball with 113 home runs in her career.

Jocelyn Alo’s parents saved up $10K per summer when she was a kid so she could travel from Hawaii to mainland U.S. and play travel ball.

Last night, she became college softball’s home run queen in front of them in Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/lfojJtRPTc

— Kayla Lombardo (@KaylaLombardo11) March 12, 2022

Georgia Corrick, South Florida, AAC

Corrick had an outstanding season on the mound, leading the NCAA in innings pitched (266.1), wins (36), shutouts (20) and strikeouts (407). She also managed an impressive 0.53 ERA. She is the only pitcher in AAC history to win AAC Pitcher of the Year in all four seasons of her career.

In March, she became the all-time strikeouts leader for the Bulls.

What a moment for @USFSoftball legend Georgina Corrick.

All-time strikeouts leader for the Bulls.

So happy we could be there for the moment! #USF pic.twitter.com/V9ScgNSFj0

— CHRIS TORELLO (@TorelloSports) March 22, 2022

Baylee Klingler, Washington, Pac-12

Klingler was named Pac-12 Player of the Year after ranking in the top five in NCAA Division I in home runs (22) and RBI (65) on the season. She recorded a .433 batting average and only struck out six times.

She also went on a 15-game hit streak, reaching base in 25 consecutive games.

The series belongs to the Huskies. 🐕

Baylee Klingler’s grand slam in the 7th inning lifts No. 11 @UWSoftball over No. 19 Arizona, 7-5.#GoHuskies | #Pac12SB pic.twitter.com/Dmp9d2SpKh

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 2, 2022