🥎 The details
Since its debut in 1982, the road to Oklahoma City (OKC) for the WCWS has never been easy. This year is no different, with 64 teams starting the national tournament on May 17th, and only 8 teams left standing now.
The eight teams will compete in two four-team, double-elimination brackets, with the action running from today through June 3rd. The championship series will begin on June 5th and will be played in a best-of-three format.
🏆 The favorites
🤘 No. 1 Texas: The Longhorns are aiming for their seventh WCWS appearance and have been led by standout sophomore catcher Reese Atwood. With a strong pitching trio and the best batting average in the country, Texas is a force to be reckoned with.
💥 No. 2 Oklahoma: The three-time defending champs are known for their power hitting and home run prowess. Playing close to home in OKC gives them a significant advantage in their quest for another title.
💪 The other contenders
Source: Gators Softball/X
🦎 No. 4 Florida: After missing last year’s WCWS, the Gators are back with a high-scoring team led by Skylar Wallace.
🤠 No. 5 Oklahoma State: Known for their power hitting, the Cowgirls are making their fifth straight appearance in the WCWS.
🐻 No. 6 UCLA: The Bruins are back in a big way this year, led by standout players in the postseason.
🌲 No. 8 Stanford: With a dominant pitcher in NiJaree Canady, Stanford’s pitching is their key to success.
👿 No. 10 Duke: Making their first-ever appearance in the WCWS, Duke is a team to watch with a strong offense.
🌊 No. 14 Alabama: Despite a challenging season, Alabama is back in the WCWS and looking to make a statement.
📺 How to tune in
The action kicks off with a quadruple-header today, starting with Alabama vs. UCLA at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN. ESPN networks will have coverage throughout the tournament, including matchups on ABC this weekend.
