No. 7 Florida Shocks No. 1 Oklahoma with Four Home Runs, Setting Up a Rubber Match in WCWS Semifinals

The Women’s College World Series (WCWS) has long been a stage for high drama and intense competition, but few moments have captured the excitement of softball like the stunning upset in Game 2 of the WCWS semifinals between the No. 7 Florida Gators and the defending champions, the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners. In a game brimming with power, resilience, and a lot of heart, Florida emerged victorious with a commanding 9–3 win, forcing a deciding rubber match to determine who advances to the championship series.

Going into this semifinal series, Oklahoma was the undisputed favorite. The Sooners, led by their powerful lineup and seasoned pitching staff, entered the game on a 20-game NCAA tournament win streak, a Division I record. The team had been dominant throughout the regular season and the tournament, but their opponents, the Florida Gators, were not going to let that streak define their own fate. Ranked No. 7 nationally, Florida came into the game with something to prove. Their defense, offensive power, and stellar pitching had already shown the potential to topple the best.

This game was shaping up to be a battle of styles — Oklahoma’s relentless offense against Florida’s combination of strong pitching and timely hitting. After a tense Game 1, which Oklahoma narrowly won, Game 2 would be the deciding factor on whether the Gators could force the rubber match or if Oklahoma could punch its ticket to the championship series.

Florida’s offense came out of the gate firing on all cylinders. From the very first pitch, it was clear that the Gators were not intimidated by Oklahoma’s reputation. The game’s tone was set early with an aggressive approach at the plate that would eventually lead to four home runs—an incredible display of power that was more than enough to propel Florida to a comfortable victory.

• First Inning: Florida wasted no time in putting pressure on Oklahoma’s pitcher. The Gators’ lead-off batter, Reagan Walsh, set the stage by singling. She advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt and was driven home by Skylar Wallace’s single. Just like that, Florida had a 1–0 lead, sending an early message that this would be a game to remember.
• Second Inning: The Florida bats exploded in the second frame. Kendra Falby hit a two-run inside-the-park home run after a line drive rattled around in the outfield, sending the crowd into a frenzy. But that wasn’t all. Just minutes later, Wallace, who had already been crucial in the first inning, sent a solo home run over the fence, stretching Florida’s lead to 3–0.
• Third Inning: Ava Brown added another insurance run with an RBI double, bringing the score to 4–0. With each swing, the Sooners found themselves further behind, scrambling to catch up but unable to slow the Gators’ offensive surge.
• Fourth Inning: By the fourth inning, it became clear that Florida had come to play. Walsh, who had already driven in a run, came through again with a three-run homer, effectively blowing the game wide open. At this point, the Gators were up 7–1, and the Sooners were struggling to find an answer.
• Fifth Inning: Wallace, in a sensational display of power, blasted a second two-run home run, cementing her role as one of the game’s key performers. This made the score 9–3 in Florida’s favor, and although Oklahoma attempted a few comebacks, the Gators’ early onslaught had left them too far behind to recover.

The four home runs in a single game were a testament to Florida’s incredible power and offensive depth. With Wallace contributing two of those homers, it was clear that the Gators’ offense was firing on all cylinders, putting constant pressure on the Sooners and showing they were not going to be intimidated by the No. 1 ranked team.

While Florida’s offense certainly stole the show with their home run barrage, it was freshman pitcher Keagan Rothrock who made the crucial contributions on the mound. Rothrock was nothing short of spectacular, going the distance and delivering a complete game performance. Her poise and composure were vital in keeping the high-powered Oklahoma offense in check.

Despite a few hiccups, including walking seven batters, Rothrock held strong and worked herself out of trouble multiple times throughout the game. She struck out three batters and only allowed three runs. In the face of Oklahoma’s relentless offensive lineup, Rothrock remained calm, showing the maturity and control of a seasoned veteran. Her ability to limit the damage in critical moments ensured that the Gators’ offense had the breathing room it needed to deliver the knockout blows.

For Oklahoma, this was a rare and uncharacteristic loss, especially considering their dominance throughout the season and the tournament. The Sooners, who typically thrive on their aggressive and potent offense, found themselves frustrated by Rothrock’s pitching and Florida’s sharp defense. While they managed to score three runs, including a couple of timely hits, they simply couldn’t break through against the relentless Florida offense.

Nicole May, the Oklahoma pitcher, struggled from the outset. May, who had been a reliable force for the Sooners throughout the tournament, was unable to contain the Gators’ bats. She lasted only two innings, surrendering four runs, which forced Oklahoma to turn to their bullpen. Unfortunately for the Sooners, their pitchers could not slow down the Florida onslaught. Florida’s ability to capitalize on every mistake and convert them into runs left Oklahoma little chance to mount a meaningful comeback.

The Sooners, known for their ability to come from behind in the most intense situations, could not find the spark they needed to close the gap. They were stymied by Florida’s defense, which made crucial plays when it mattered most, and their bats were outslugged in a game that left many shaking their heads in disbelief.

With the series now tied at one game apiece, the stage is set for an electric rubber match to decide who will advance to the WCWS championship series. For Florida, this victory was an immense confidence booster, as they not only proved they could compete with the best but also demonstrated that they could dominate in every phase of the game.

Oklahoma will now need to regroup quickly. The Sooners, with their vast experience and depth, will undoubtedly come out with a vengeance in the final game. Their offense is powerful, and they have the ability to turn things around in a flash. Florida will rely on Rothrock’s continued excellence and hope their bats remain as hot as they were in Game 2.

The rubber match promises to be a thrilling, high-stakes battle, one that will keep fans on the edge of their seats until the very last pitch. With everything on the line, both teams will give it their all in an effort to secure a spot in the coveted championship series, where national glory awaits the winner.

Florida’s Game 2 victory over Oklahoma was one for the ages—a thrilling display of offensive power, clutch pitching, and unshakable determination. The Gators were undeterred by Oklahoma’s aura of dominance and delivered a message that they were ready to fight for the championship. Four home runs, a complete game from Rothrock, and a relentless offense made Florida the team to beat.

As both teams now prepare for the winner-take-all Game 3, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Who will prevail and earn the right to challenge for the national title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this rubber match will be a fitting climax to a series already full of drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments.