History, made

The GIST: In Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) finals last night, No. 2–seed Oklahoma topped rival No. 1 Texas 8–4 to capture their fourth straight national championship, becoming the first program to ever do so (in front of a record crowd, no less). It’s the Sooners’ world, we’re just living in it.

The dynasty: Oklahoma has been nearly unbeatable for four years, boasting an astounding 235-15 record since the start of the 2021 season. Their 2023 campaign was the winningest in the sport’s history, and although this year’s climb had a few more bumps along the way, snagging an eighth program natty felt all but inevitable.

The stars: Last night’s dub was a nailbiter until the sixth inning, when the lethal pitching duo of Nicole May and Kelly Maxwell silenced Texas’ bats to secure the hardware. But the Sooners also shined at the plate, continuing their season-long scoring bonanza behind the likes of shortstop Tiare Jennings and center fielder Jayda Coleman.

What’s next: The Sooners will graduate all four of those players, plus six other seniors — meaning they must replace nearly half their roster. But if the postseason performances of freshmen Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering are any indication, Oklahoma’s dynasty is in good hands.

• Next year, Oklahoma and Texas will jump from the Big 12 to the SEC, already the country’s most competitive conference, setting up playoff-worthy contests all season long. But first, the Sooners will reload in the transfer portal…once they remove the confetti from their hair.

The GIST: This weekend’s thrillingly unpredictable 16-team Super Regional slate features only three of last year’s eight Men’s College World Series (MWCS) contenders. With the most underdogs in any Supers weekend this century, how can you not be romantic about it?

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. No. 4–seed UNC Tar Heels, today at 6 p.m. ET (ESPN2): The Heels are the better team on paper, but they’re reeling from a Regional dogfight with reigning champ LSU in Chapel Hill last weekend, while West Virginia sailed through the topsy-turvy Tucson Regional undefeated. Is UNC worn down, or did that battle simply sharpen their winning vision?

No. 10 NC State Wolfpack vs. No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs, tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET (ESPNU): One reason this contest is a must-watch: Bulldog first baseman/outfielder Charlie Condon. The redshirt sophomore is the game’s best slugger — it’s no wonder the human home-run highlight reel was named one of three finalists for the Golden Spikes (college baseball’s MVP award) on Wednesday.

Florida Gators vs. No. 6 Clemson Tigers, tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET (ESPN): The 2023 MCWS runners-up Gators have had chaotic energy all season. Case in point? They barely made the tournament but are now considered a sleeping giant in the Super Regionals. Clemson is a strong squad, but no one knows what’ll happen when Florida starts Florida-ing.