Facing off against a formidable Oklahoma side that had lost just three games this season, No. 6-seeded Florida knew it needed a hero. It got three of them in the end: pitcher Keagan Rothrock, outfielder Kendra Falby, and infielder Skylar Wallace, all of whom came to shine as the Gators captured a pivotal 9-3 win to set up a do-or-die matchup with the Sooners on Tuesday afternoon.
UF (54-14) needed every bit of offensive magic it received Monday afternoon. Oklahoma (59-4) possesses one of the nation's most daunting rotations, entering Monday's contest with a 1.81 team ERA to its name.
Yet, it was the Gators who showed out, finding life under the glow of the Devon Park - OGE Energy Field sun.
It started with Falby, whose leaping grab to rob Rylie Boone and prevent OU from scoring a run captivated the masses.
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024
Falby added to her instant classic with an inside-the-park home run in the bottom half of the inning, snapping an 0-for-20 streak while recording the first inside-the-park round-tripper in a decade.
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024
Wallace shot her name up in the lights two pitches later, launching a rocket of her own into the abyss. This one cleared the fence, however.
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024LAUNCHED π@Wallace2Skylar connects for a home run!
πΊ ESPN | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/L0ljEuiqwh
It was one of two blasts Wallace sent into the warm summer sky. The second one was arguably more important β it halted OU's late attempt at a rally.
The Gators' bats were the story. They didn't fare too poorly on the mound, either, with Rothrock taking the ball in the first inning and carrying it all the way through the seventh to pick up a complete game victory. Just a freshman, Rothrock appears on the precipice of Gainesville greatness. She should get a chance to return to the bump tomorrow, as well.
All told, it was a momentous display by Florida, a side that showcased both its offensive verve and defensive solidity in an impressive all-around display. Tim Walton's squad still has a lot to do to punch its ticket to the WCWS final. But it laid a pretty solid blueprint on Sunday, handing the Sooners their first WCWS defeat in 20 games.
The Sporting News tracked live updates from Monday's Women's College World Series clash between Florida and Oklahoma. Check out below to see how the action unfolded during an awe-inspiring day in Oklahoma City.
Florida vs.Oklahoma softball score
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | F | |
| Oklahoma | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Florida | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | x | 9 |
Florida vs. Oklahomaupdates, highlights fromWomen's College World Series
(All times Eastern)
End of game: Florida 9, Oklahoma 3
5:47 p.m.:Boone pumps another high-velocity effort into the outfield. But it falls into Katie Kistler's glove. We move to an all-or-nothing game tomorrow afternoon.
5:45 p.m.:Another walk for Rothrock, who loses four straight pitches to put Hansen on and load the bases. UF still giving Rothrock the nod.
5:43 p.m.:Pickering takes first after a walk. Three walks in the frame for Rothrock.
5:40 p.m.:Brito walks. The attempted rally continues.
5:39 p.m.:Parker rifles another one off the bat. However, it falls right into Avery Goelz's glove, who then tags first to secure the double play. One out remaining in this one.
5:38 p.m.:Jennings gets on via walk. Parker takes the stage now.
5:37 p.m.:Jennings leads things off for the Sooners. They've got three outs to work with.
End of sixth inning: Florida 9, Oklahoma 3
5:34 p.m.:Swinging strikeout! We move to the top of the seventh.
5:27 p.m.:Pop up into shallow left center makes it two gone for the Gators.
5:25 p.m.:Impressive snag and tag by Sanders, who dives to get the runner out at first.
5:21 p.m.:Rothrock shimmies out of another jam, coaxing a deep fly out from Jennings. The Sooners fail to cut into that Gators advantage. The clock is ticking for them to get back into this one.
5:19 p.m.:Sanders whiffs on the changeup as Rothrock's records her third K of the day.
5:16 p.m.:Boone gets on with a looping single. Two on, zero away of the Sooners.
5:15 p.m.:Hansen opens things with a leadoff single as OU attempts to mount what would be a helluva comeback if they can pull it off.
End of fifth inning: Florida 9, Oklahoma 3
5:11 p.m.:Erickson pops out. We move to the sixth inning.
5:06 p.m.:Otis takes first base after another walk. Erickson steps to plate knowing that she can run-rule the Sooners!
5:04 p.m.: HOME RUN!Wallace does it again, lifting a meager change-up into the centerfield stands! Two-run shot reestablishes UF's lead at six.
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024AGAIN βοΈ@Wallace2Skylar with another home run!
πΊ ESPN | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/m1opJMDhOg
Florida 9, Oklahoma 3
5:03 p.m.:Boone retrieve Dalby's effort on the left field line.
5:02 p.m.:Sac bunt moves Brown to second base. One away for Falby to work with.
5:01 p.m.:Brown makes her way to first after a leadoff walk.
End of fifth inning: Florida 7, Oklahoma 3
4:55 p.m.:Rothrock gets out the inning, tiptoeing her way out the frame after forcing Pickering into a first-pitch groundout.
4:52 p.m.:Parker starches one towards shortstop. However, Skylar Wallace is unable to reel it in, giving the Sooners another chance to cut into UF's lead.
4:49 p.m.: HOME RUN!Jennings lines one into the left-center bleachers as Oklahoma cuts the Gators' lead to four. Still some time to work with, as well.
A blast from @_tiarejennings for her 10th career WCWS home run!#ChampionshipMindset | πΊ @espn pic.twitter.com/Gfx0dU7oDM
β Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) June 3, 2024
Florida 7,Oklahoma 3
4:47 p.m.:Coleman flies out to Falby in center. Two away and Jennings returns to the dish.
4:46 p.m.:Hodge slips one beyond surveillance as the Sooners get a runner into scoring position with one away at the top of the fifth. If the Sooners want it to happen, they need to make some things shake sooner rather than later.
End of fourth inning: Florida 7, Oklahoma 1
4:38 p.m.: HOME RUN!Walsh demolishes a pitch, depositing it into the Oklahoma City sky as the Gators race out a 7-1 lead.
Florida 7,Oklahoma 1
4:33 p.m.:Erickson takes her place after walking on what appeared to be eternity.
4:31 p.m.:Wallace and Otis proceed to sit down after struck out, respectively. Erickson now dives into the batter's box,
4:28 p.m.:Falby takes first after beating out an infield single. Wallace returns the batter's box.
End of third inning: Florida 4, Oklahoma 1
4:23 p.m.:Boone flies out to left to end the inning.
4:20 p.m.:Hansen slaps it into the outfield on an appealing pitch, sending home Pickering. That's the first run of the day for the Sooners. They'll hope its not the last, either.
K9 puts us on the board!#ChampionshipMindset | πΊ ESPN pic.twitter.com/JMBVzJpa9s
β Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) June 3, 2024
Florida 4,Oklahoma 1
4:19 p.m.:Pickering takes second after Rothrock's pitch dips into the dirt.
4:18 p.m.:Pickering dribbles one into second base. However, the Gators prove unable to complete the double play.
4:15 p.m.:Brito flies out into Falby. One away.
4:14 p.m.:Parker records the first hit of the day for the Sooners, lining a shot over a short stop glove to get on base.
End of third inning: Florida 4, Oklahoma 0
4:09 p.m.:Deal uses the changeup to send Mia Williams packing.
4:07 p.m.:Ava Brown rips a looping curveball into the gap, drawing in yet another run.
Florida 4, Oklahoma 0
4:06 p.m.:Another pitch, another infield pop out. Deal is one out away of getting out of the inning.
4:04 p.m.:Hodge fights the sun to nab the first out of the inning.
4:02 p.m.:May is usurped by Kierston Deal, who will have quite a lot to do to prevent Florida from adding to its lead.
4:01 p.m.:Walsh adds to the positivity, advancing to first with a single of her own. Erickson went from first to third on the ensuing play.
4:00 p.m.:Erickson strides into first base after singling. Good start to the third inning for the Gators.
3:55 p.m.:Jennings flies out to deep left field, bringing the inning to a swift end.
3:54 p.m.:Coleman slips one into deep right field. However, Otis reads it well and reels it in before crashing into the wall. Two away.
3:53 p.m.:Avery Hodge ruled out after stepping on the plate while batting.
End of second inning: Florida 3, Oklahoma 0
3:47 p.m.: HOMERUN!Skylar Wallace sends one into the cheap seats after devouring a middle-in pitch from May. Back-to-back homers for the Gators as they open their lead up to three. Both happened with two outs, too!
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024LAUNCHED π@Wallace2Skylar connects for a home run!
πΊ ESPN | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/L0ljEuiqwh
Florida 3,Oklahoma 0
3:45 p.m.: HOME RUN!Falby does it again! Ends a 0-20 streak with a flourish, cranking out an inside-the-park home run after stroking a pitch into right field. That's the first inside-the-parker in a decade in the WCWS.
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024
Florida 2, Oklahoma 0
3:43 p.m.:May opens the bottom half of the second inning with two quick outs.
3:38 p.m.:Rothrock gets the strikeout! Sooners are held scoreless once more.
3:34 p.m.: WHAT A CATCH!Rylie Boone delivers a shot towards center field. However, Kendra Falby shoots it down with a leaping grab. Kasidi Pickering sat at third and it seemed a clear opportunity for a sacrifice fly. But she misread the ball, charging towards home plate instead of tagging up. She was forced to retreat after making her way halfway down the third base line. Bad error for an OU side looking to even the game up at 1.
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024
3:30 p.m.:Kasidi Pickering took first after leading off the inning with a walk. She proceeded to advance to second after a wild pitch mystified Erickson behind home plate. OU might be in business to start the second inning.
End of first inning: Florida 1, Oklahoma 0
3:28 p.m.:The frame comes to an end without much else offense. But the Gators delivered when they needed to, going up 1-0.
Florida 1,Oklahoma 0
3:24 p.m.Walsh delivers at the dish, blooping an effort into the outfield grass β and out of surveillance β to give the Gators a one-run advantage.
3:20 p.m.:Erickson goes down on strikes. Otis takes second after beating out Kinzee Hansenβs throw. Up steps Reagan Walsh.
3:18 p.m.:Korbe Otis beats out the throw after dribbling a ball into short. That's her 15th infield single of the year. It sets the table for former OU standout Jocelyn Erickson, Florida's star slugger.
3:17 p.m.:Wallace cranks one to the warning track. But Coleman surveilled it well and snags the fly-ball without much of an issue. One away.
3:16 p.m.:All-American Skylar Wallace leading off for the Gators.
3:15 p.m.:Taking the hill for the Sooners is Nicole May.
3:13 p.m.:Alyssa Brito bounces out to third to end the inning. UF gets out unscathed.
3:12 p.m.:Parker goes down on strikes. Keagan Rothrock delivers a whirling drop-ball.
3:10 p.m.:Jennings flies out to center. The baton moves to freshman standout Ella Parker.
3:08 p.m.:Coleman gets on via walk. Accentuates it with an epic bat flip, as well. Tiare Jennings strides into the batter's box.
3:06 p.m.:Jayda Coleman steps to the plate to lead off for the Sooners. Here we go...
2:50 p.m.:Here's a look at the starting lineups for both sides:
Semifinal starting lineup π€©#GoGators | @TMobile pic.twitter.com/FJhpqcs14I
β Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 3, 2024
β Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) June 3, 2024Itβs a πππ² πππ² in OKC βοΈ
π https://t.co/mwrxAdsgCS#ChampionshipMindset pic.twitter.com/0bAkw9YyGC
2:30 p.m.:A lovely sight for those hoping to see softball today: the tarp is off!
The tarp is off! π#WCWS pic.twitter.com/Tramk7jQ2c
β NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 3, 2024
2:25 p.m.:Looks like players are starting to stream out on the diamond slowly but surely.
π½π ππ¦π€ππ.#ChampionshipMindset pic.twitter.com/ulkB50ftSr
β Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) June 3, 2024
2:15 p.m.:The Gators' offense finally exploded after a dormant opening two games, erupting for six runs to vanquish No. 14 Alabama. They'll need to be on point against the Sooners' Grade A pitching β Oklahoma surrendered just 1.81 earned runs per game this season, the fifth-best total in the nation.
1:40 p.m.:Our long national nightmare could finally be ceasing: seems today's game will start at 3:06 p.m. ET as the weather begins to clear. Fans will be filling into the stadium sooner rather than later, you'd imagine.
β NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 3, 2024Schedule update βοΈ
The lightning risk has decreased and first pitch for Game 11 between Oklahoma and Florida is scheduled for 3:06 PM ET/2:06 PM CT. @DevonParkOKC gates are now open to fans.#WCWS pic.twitter.com/1Tp7nmvEA4
1:20 p.m.:It's still unclear when today's game is going to kick off. However, here's a look at the scenes as water pools acrossDevon Park-OGE Energy Field, the site of today's contest.
Weather delay views βοΈ#WCWS pic.twitter.com/DPzmL3Gfpo
β NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 3, 2024
12:30 p.m.:As a healthy reminder, today's game was supposed to start at noon. However, first pitch was postponed on account of inclement weather. Although the initial idea was that the game would begin at 1:36 p.m. ET, that still is shrouded in mystery as lightning and rain wreak havoc on the site:
We are still in a lightning delay and continue to monitor weather. Game time and gates open time will be adjusted.#WCWS pic.twitter.com/hQxoGeaBOg
β NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 3, 2024
How to watch Florida vs. Oklahoma softball
Florida and Oklahoma are set to face off at 3:06 p.m. ET from Devon Park - OGE Energy Field in Oklahoma City.It was initially scheduled for noon ET, but that start time was delayed due to inclement weather. Fans can tune in for the elimination game on ESPN or stream it onESPN+orFubo, which offers a free trial.
Women's College World Series schedule 2024
Thu., May 30
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Game 1 | (6) UCLA 4, (14) Alabama 1 | Noon | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 2 | (2) Oklahoma 9, (10) Duke 1 | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 3 | (1) Texas 4,(8) Stanford 0 | 7 p.m. | ESPN2,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 4 | (4) Florida 1, (5) Oklahoma State 0 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2,Fubo,ESPN+ |
Fri., May 31
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Game 5 | (14) Alabama 2, (10) Duke 1 | 7 p.m. | ESPN2,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 6 | (8) Stanford 8, (5) Oklahoma State 0 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2,Fubo |
Sat., June 1
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Game 7 | (2) Oklahoma 1, (6) UCLA 0 | 3 p.m. | ABC,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 8 | (1) Texas 10, (4) Florida 0 (5 inn.) | 7 p.m. | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
Sun., June 2
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Game 9 | (4)Florida 6, (14) Alabama 4 | 3 p.m. | ABC,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 10 | (8) Stanford 3, (6) UCLA 1 | 7 p.m. | ESPNU,Fubo,ESPN+ |
Mon., June 3
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Game 11 | (2) Oklahoma vs. (4) Florida | 3:06 p.m. | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 12 (if necessary) | Game 11 rematch | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 13 | Game 8 winner vs. Game 10 winner | 7 p.m. | ESPN2,Fubo,ESPN+ |
| Game 14 (if necessary) | Game 13 rematch | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2,Fubo,ESPN+ |
Wed., June 5
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| WCWS Final Game 1 | TBD | 8 p.m. | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
Thu., June 6
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| WCWS Final Game 2 | TBD | 8 p.m. | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
Fri., June 7
| Game | Matchup/Results | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| WCWS Final Game 3 (if necessary) | TBD | 8 p.m. | ESPN,Fubo,ESPN+ |
