CHAMPS, AGAIN
Fans embrace wild back-to-back finishes in series
It was Tuesday morning when thousands of softball fans went to bed and Tuesday night when they returned. And they witnessed history at Hall of Fame Stadium, for Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series finals.
The 17-inning, 5-hour-and28-minute, Oklahoma win that finished 30 minutes shy of midnight was followed by more fireworks in the sequel — and another thrilling Sooners’ victory to clinch back-to-back national championships.
When OU left-hander Paige Lowary threw to first baseman Shay Knighten for the game’s final out, leading 5-4, the Sooners dog-piled in the circle. A mostly crimson crowd erupted. This time around, it lasted seven innings and just under 2 ½ hours.
Among the 8,507 in attendance, nine rows up from the OU dugout, were husband and wife Kirk and Brandy Weese. The pair didn’t get home in Choctaw until 1 a.m. Tuesday and were back in their same seats by 6 p.m.
“It was unreal,” Kirk Weese said. “I’m still hurting today.”
Kirk, 48, and Brandy, 41, are OU football season ticket holders, but the thrill of glory at Owen Field doesn’t hold a candle to OGE Energy Field. Thanks to
To have such great games the way we did, it’s great for our sport, it’s great for television, and a special treat for the fans.” PATTY GASSO OU COACH
the dramatics of Games 1 and 2, Sooners softball has quickly become their favorite OU sport.
“It was amazing,” Brandy Weese said. “Everybody was so excited to be here, Florida and Oklahoma fans.”
Chris Gilmore and his 16-year-old daughter, Madalyn, made the ninehour drive from Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Oklahoma City for their fourth consecutive WCWS. They didn’t get to sleep at their hotel after game one until nearly 3 a.m.
“We probably could live for a long time and never, ever experience anything like (Monday’s game) ever again,” Chris Gilmore said. “We stood up and thought the game was over four times.”
Chris Gilmore, 43, spent several years living in Tulsa, but his current home and birthplace in Mississippi is in the heart of SEC Country, testing his fan loyalty this week.
“By the 17th inning, I think everyone around us was just wanting someone to win,” said. “You take two teams like that — they’re both winners in my book.”
OU’s victory caps a banner year for its athletic department. Sooners softball is the fourth program this academic year to earn a team national championship, joining men’s and women’s gymnastics, and men’s golf.
The OU faithful gave standing ovations to players and coaches during the trophy celebration on the diamond at Hall of Fame Stadium.
They basked in the confetti that floated into the stands. A colorful ending to a pair of unforgettable days at the WCWS.
“I think it was such exciting softball to be able to see it in person,” OU coach Patty Gasso said. “To have such great games the way we did, it’s great for our sport, it’s great for television, and a special treat for fans.”