2024 NCAA Softball National Championships Super Regionals: Preview and Predictions

The 2024 NCAA Softball National Championships Super Regionals are upon us, promising thrilling matchups and high-stakes drama as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Women’s College World Series. Here’s a detailed look at each Super Regional, highlighting key players, pivotal matchups, and predictions on who will advance.

Austin Super Regional

Game 1: (May 24) No. 1 Texas vs. No. 16 Texas A&M | 6 p.m. ESPN2

Texas has been a powerhouse all season, driven by a relentless offense and robust pitching. Reese Atwood’s stellar .433 average, along with her 22 home runs and 88 RBIs, has set the pace. Katie Steward’s .386 average and 12 home runs add further depth. The Longhorns’ pitching rotation is equally formidable, with Citlaly Gutierrez (1.58 ERA, 59 K), Teagan Kavan (1.87 ERA, 113 K), and Mac Morgan (1.97 ERA) providing a solid backbone.

Texas A&M, though underdogs, are no slouches. Seven players bat over .300, with Koko Wooley leading at .389. Trinity Cannon’s power (15 HR, 55 RBI) will be crucial, and the Aggies’ ace Emily Kennedy (1.55 ERA, 191 K) will need to bring her A-game to contain Texas’s high-powered offense.

Insight: Texas’s ability to score quickly and consistently, coupled with their depth in pitching, makes them a formidable opponent. Texas A&M’s balanced team and solid defense could pose a challenge, but Kennedy will need a career performance to keep the Longhorns at bay.

Prediction: Texas’s comprehensive firepower and pitching depth will likely see them through to the next round. Longhorns to advance in two games.

Norman Super Regional

Game 1: (May 23) No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 15 Florida State | 7 p.m. ESPN2

Oklahoma boasts a lineup featuring five players with ten or more home runs, led by Tiare Jennings (.374, 21 HR, 62 RBI). Alyssa Brito (.400, 16 HR, 56 RBI) and Jayda Coleman (.403, 12 HR) add depth to an already formidable batting order. Pitching remains strong with Kelly Maxwell (1.87 ERA, 129 K), Kierston Deal (1.62 ERA), and Nicole May (2.34 ERA).

Florida State counters with a potent offense of their own, with Jaysoni Beachum (.425, 15 HR, 65 RBI) and Michaela Edenfield (.389, 15 HR) leading the charge. However, their pitching staff, with Ashtyn Danley (3.12 ERA) and Makenna Reid (3.37 ERA), has shown vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the Sooners.

Insight: Oklahoma’s offensive depth and solid pitching rotation provide a significant advantage. Florida State’s bats will need to stay hot to compete, but their pitching inconsistency might be their undoing.

Prediction: Oklahoma’s overall strength should see them through in a competitive series. Sooners to advance in two games.

Knoxville Super Regional

Game 1: (May 24) No. 3 Tennessee vs. No. 14 Alabama | 4 p.m. ESPN2

Tennessee’s balanced lineup features Rylie West (.364, 13 HR, 39 RBI) and Kiki Milloy (.354, 13 HR), providing consistent offensive output. In the circle, Karlyn Pickens (1.15 ERA, 205 K) and Payton Gottshall (1.21 ERA, 155 K) form a formidable duo.

Alabama, despite being well-coached and defensively sound, lacks the same offensive firepower. Kenleigh Cahalan (.299) and Jenna Johnson (.281, 6 HR) lead an offense that struggles to match Tennessee’s potency. Their pitching staff, led by Kayla Beaver (1.72 ERA, 172 K) and Jocelyn Briski (2.22 ERA), will need to be near perfect to upset the Volunteers.

Insight: Tennessee’s combination of a strong offense and two ace pitchers gives them a significant edge. Alabama’s defensive prowess and coaching might keep them in the games, but they lack the firepower for a deep run.

Prediction: Tennessee’s depth and quality on both sides will likely secure their advancement. Volunteers to sweep the series.

Gainesville Super Regional

Game 1: (May 24) No. 4 Florida vs. Baylor | 12 p.m. ESPN2

Florida’s red-hot lineup includes Korbe Otis (.463, 52 RBI), Sklar Wallace (.412, 14 HR, 66 RBI), and Jocelyn Erickson (.391, 13 HR, 78 RBI). Reagan Walsh (.373, 16 HR) adds further depth. Pitching, led by Keagan Rothrock (2.36 ERA, 178 K) and Ava Brown (3.40 ERA), will need to hold strong against Baylor’s offense.

Baylor’s standout, Shaylon Govan (.451, 10 HR), and Emily Hott (.333, 10 HR) will look to challenge Florida’s young pitchers. RyLee Crandall (3.10 ERA) and Aliyah Binford (3.23 ERA) will need to step up to keep Florida’s bats in check.

Insight: Florida’s offensive momentum has been unstoppable, but their young pitching staff could be a vulnerability. Baylor must capitalize on any pitching weaknesses to have a chance.

Prediction: Florida’s batting firepower and adequate pitching should see them past Baylor, but it might be a tight series. Gators to advance in three games.

Stillwater Super Regional

Game 1: (May 24) No. 5 Oklahoma State vs. Arizona | 8 p.m. ESPNU

Oklahoma State’s Caroline Wang (.379, 17 HR, 48 RBI) and Karli Godwin (.339, 14 HR) lead a powerful lineup. Lexi Kilfoyl (1.08 ERA, 140 K) and Ivy Rosenberry (1.79 ERA) anchor a strong pitching staff.

Arizona’s Regan Shockey (.411), Allie Skaggs (14 HR), and Dakota Kennedy (.405) provide significant offensive threats. Pitching, led by Aissa Silva (3.03 ERA), lacks the depth of Oklahoma State’s rotation.

Insight: Oklahoma State’s consistent pitching and ability to score will be key. Arizona’s offensive firepower is formidable, but their pitching depth is a concern.

Prediction: Oklahoma State’s pitching and past successes against top teams should give them the edge. Cowgirls to advance in two games.

Los Angeles Super Regional

Game 1: (May 23) No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 11 Georgia | 9:30 p.m. ESPN2

UCLA’s Maya Brady (.418, 15 HR, 65 RBI) and Sharlize Palacios (.379, 18 HR) lead a balanced offensive attack. Taylor Tinsley (2.60 ERA, 155 K) and Kaitlyn Terry (3.15 ERA) provide solid pitching options.

Georgia’s Jayda Kearny (.355, 20 HR) and Sara Mosley (20 HR) match UCLA’s power. Pitching depth, with Lilli Backes (2.45 ERA) and Madison Kerpics (3.12 ERA), will be tested against UCLA’s potent lineup.

Insight: Both teams have similar offensive capabilities, but UCLA’s pitching has been slightly more consistent. The series will hinge on which pitching staff can perform under pressure.

Prediction: UCLA’s experience and slightly deeper pitching staff will likely see them through. Bruins to advance in three games.

Columbia Super Regional

Game 1: (May 24) No. 7 Missouri vs. No. 10 Duke | 2 p.m. ESPN2

Missouri’s Jenna Laird (.355, 30 RBI) and Alex Honnold (.348) provide a balanced offense. Their pitching staff, led by Lauren Krings (2.33 ERA, 139 K) and Cierra Harrison (2.05 ERA), has been reliable.

Duke’s Claire Davidson (.445, 18 HR) and D’Auna Jennings (.402) bring power to the plate. Pitching, with Jala Wright (1.09 ERA, 183 K) and Cassidy Curd (1.37 ERA), gives Duke a slight edge.

Insight: Duke’s pitching depth and power at the plate offer a slight advantage. Missouri’s consistency will be tested against Duke’s strong arms.

Prediction: Duke’s pitching and offensive edge will likely see them through in a close series. Blue Devils to advance in three games.

Stanford Super Regional

Game 1: (May 24) No. 8 Stanford vs. No. 9 LSU | 10 p.m. ESPNU

Stanford’s Emily Jones (.347) and Aly Kaneshiro (11 HR, 39 RBI) lead a solid lineup. NiJaree Canady (0.52 ERA, 292 K) has been nearly unhittable, providing a significant advantage in the circle.

LSU’s Ciara Briggs (.330, 23 RBI) and Raeleen Gutierrez (.328) will look to challenge Stanford’s pitchers. Sydney Berzon (1.62 ERA, 177 K) leads a capable pitching staff.

Insight: Stanford’s Canady has been a game-changer, and if she’s on form, LSU could struggle. Both teams are closely matched at the plate, but Stanford’s pitching depth gives them an edge.