Another Women’s College World College Series, another memorable defensive play for Oklahoma star Jayda Coleman.
The three-time All-American center fielder went all out to keep the defending champion Sooners even with Florida State on Thursday early in Game 2 of the WCWS.
With both teams scoreless in the bottom of the third inning, Seminoles junior Kalei Harding sent a hit into deep center field with runners on first and second. Harding’s shot appeared headed for the stands before it began losing steam with Coleman, the Big 12 Player of the Year, tracking the ball as it plummeted from the sunny sky.
Suddenly, Coleman readied herself for a well-timed leaping grab at the wall to secure the out for Oklahoma’s second of the inning, prompting a thunderous reaction from the standout junior, her team and Sooners fans in attendance. The outstanding home run robbery not only gave OU some life, but it also served as a thrilling follow-up to her impressive snag against Texas in Game 2 of last year’s WCWS.
JAYDA COLEMAN ROB JOB! 🗣️ @jaydac00#WCWS #SCtop10 x 🎥 ESPN / @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/C1Nf6rLqdL
— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 9, 2023
Winners of its last 52 consecutive games, Oklahoma (60–1) has risen to the challenge all season, with players such as Coleman among those turning in more game-defining defensive plays throughout the postseason. Kaley Mudge had a huge catch of her own on Wednesday in a 5–0 Game 1 rout.
Needless to say, with a shot at history on the line, OU will need more plays like that from Coleman and Co. as they look to close out the Seminoles and secure a third straight WCWS title.
