Stanford's dream season comes to an end after extra-innings loss to No. 1 Oklahoma

Stanford's softball team found themselves just two wins away from advancing from the WCWS championship series. Standing in their way? The No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners who have won their last 50 games, and squeaked by the Cardinal in their first meeting.

Getting the start in the circle this time around was All-American Alana Vawter, who got some early run support from Kylie Chung who smacked a two-run home run in the bottom of the first. The lead lasted all of two innings, as Oklahoma would go on to score one run in the next couple innings, tying the game back up and cornering the Cardinal who struggled offensively at the WCWS.

The Cardinal, while they are renowned for their pitching, hadn't gotten much offensive support, as they failed to score more than two runs in their four games in Oklahoma City. However, it was a true pitchers duel between the two programs who are home to the two best staffs in America.

Despite both teams having chances to score, the pitching staffs and defenses were able to wiggle their way out of multiple jams. In total there were 15 runners left on base, and both teams were unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position as Oklahoma was 2-for-13 while Stanford was 1-for-7. The game itself didn't see a single run scored until extras, which came via the Sooners in the ninth inning.

With two runners on, two outs, and the score tied at two it was Stanford's star pitcher NiJaree Canady facing Oklahoma's best hitter Tiare Jennings who up to that point was hitless. Jennings cranked an RBI double, which scored the go ahead run and an extra run for cushion as Oklahoma went up 4-2.

Stanford was unable to get anything going in their final ups of the season, as the score remained 4-2 Oklahoma clinching the Sooners' 51st straight win and their trip to the championship.

For Stanford, their magical season has come to an end but it is evident that this program is headed in the right direction. After the game, Canady herself expressed her confidence and what this experience taught her about herself.

What a #WCWS, @CanadyNijaree 🫡

The @StanfordSball freshman is only getting started. pic.twitter.com/r9gKmlHUlL
— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 5, 2023

Their trip to Oklahoman City for the WCWS marked the first time since 2004 that Stanford had made it, and also marked the first time since 2012 they surpassed 40 wins. Being that Canady is just a freshman, and that this program has improved every season under head coach Jessica Allister, things are looking bright for the Cardinal.