When the Women’s College World Series kicks off in 2022, it will do so with an extra two days.
The NCAA announced Wednesday that it would be expanding the tournament to a nine-day event, eliminating the need for doubleheaders for teams that lose on the first day of the tournament.
Additionally, teams advancing to the finals will get an extra day of rest.
The move comes following complaints at the 2021 WCWS, in which scheduling was a major point of contention following an elimination game ending at 2:18 a.m. Oklahoma coach Patti Gasso was vocal in her criticism of the tournament, which was the most-watched on record, surpassing the men’s tournament in viewership.
“What we’ve accomplished with this format change for the Women’s College World Series is further prioritization of student-athlete rest, recovery and preparation during the event and more flexibility to manage weather delays in Oklahoma City,” said Sandy Atkins, committee chair and deputy director of athletics at Troy, in a release.
“The engagement from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, particularly the active coaches who have participated in the Women’s College World Series, helped identify the day off before the championship series and minimizing doubleheaders as key recommendations to improve the championship.”