Women’s College World Series: Top-seeded Oregon handles Florida State, 3-0
By Joe Buettner
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State (55-8) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Oregon (55-7-1) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | X | 3 | 11 | 1 |
Game two of the Women’s College World Series looked similar to its predecessor—just with a little less scoring.
The top-seeded Oregon Ducks shut out the Florida State Seminoles, 3-0, Thursday afternoon. Oregon head coach Mike White had a lot to be proud of after the victory.
“I can’t say enough about what Cheridan Hawkins did out there today,” Coach White said. “She did a fantastic job. Our offense started early, put the pressure on and came through with big hits, especially the lower half of the order. They came through for us today.”
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Hawkins, who remains a perfect 4-0 in the postseason, was a huge reason for the Ducks’ success. She struck out six batters and allowed one hit in seven innings. The First Team All-American pitcher captured her 34th win of the season with the Oregon Ducks’ triumph.
“The offense and defense pick me up continuously and when I get the opportunity to help out and do my part it’s what I like to do,” Hawkins said. “I think they worked really hard and jumped out and scored some runs, which was really nice. The defense also helps me be a better pitcher because they make a lot of plays for me.”
Oregon did not race out to a big lead, but they scored two runs in the first two innings. The first came from Alyssa Gillespie, driven in by Janelle Lindvall. Nikki Udria would then bat in Alexa Peterson in the second.
Koral Costa would tack on one more run when Alexa Peterson doubled down the left field line.
The Ducks secured the shutout in the seventh, and for the first time in school history, Oregon won its opening-round game.
“We are going to need everyone through these next games coming up, staying together and believing that we do belong here.” – Maddie O’Brien
Florida State only recorded one hit, which was Maddie O’Brien’s game-opening at bat. O’Brien and the Seminoles will attempt to recover from their lackluster performance in Oklahoma City.
“It’s easy in ballgames like this to turn your back, but we’ve got to stay together,” O’Brien said following the game. “We are going to need everyone through these next games coming up, staying together and believing that we do belong here.”
Florida State will get a day of rest, but Oregon will be back at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium for a date with the Florida Gators, a team Oregon is familiar with.
“We played them two or three of the last four years and you know they’re an excellent team,” White said. “They always come out prepared. They’re well coached. Rocha is an excellent pitching coach. She was back there scouting today so they will know all about us. We know a lot about them. It’s a matter of who comes out and executes, really.”
Oregon and Florida will play tomorrow night at 6 p.m. to secure their spot for Sunday.