The 2024 Women’s College World Series is almost here. And it figures to be an enticing affair, filled with thrills, spills and plenty of home runs.
The stars tend to come out when trophies are up for grabs. This year’s iteration of the tournament is no exception — vaunted hurlers, prodigious home-run hitters and speed demons should add to the intrigue in the coming few weeks.
Things aren’t quite set in stone. There’s plenty to be decided over the course of the weekend. Nevertheless, expect fireworks ahead of college softball’s greatest festivity. It wouldn’t be a tournament worth watching if there weren’t any.
The Sporting News is tracking the sides vying for a spot in the WCWS. Follow below to see how things turn out for 16 of college softball’s greatest programs as they seek entry into the promised land of Women’s College World Series.
MORE: Watch the NCAA softball super regionals live with Fubo (free trial)
Women’s College World Series bracket
The 2024 Women’s College World Series bracket is nearly set, with just 16 sides remaining in this year’s tournament. The table below will be updated as the eight finalists clinch their Women’s College World Series bids.
NCAA softball super regionals bracket
Here’s a look at those sweet 16 as they duke it out to determine who gets to bask in the gleaming Oklahoma City sun come the WCWS.
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 16 Texas A&M
The Longhorns have proven themselves to be the best side in college softball through 60 or so games, capturing the top spot in this year’s tournament despite a defeat to No. 2 Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship. Led by star slugger Reese Atwood, Texas is a formidable foe. The Aggies — one of the SEC’s top outfits — will face quite the test.
- Game 1: Friday, May 24 | 6 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo
- Game 2: Saturday, May 25 | 5 p.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 26 | TBD
No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 15 Florida State
The defending NCAA champions are lacking a star bat after legendary slugger Jocelyn Alo graduated. Fortunately for Sooners fans, they have plenty of vigor across their lineup, including Tiare Jennings. That’s not to mention OU’s standout pitching, which surrenders just 1.82 earned runs per contest. Florida State has its work cut out for it.
- Game 1: (2) Oklahoma 11, (15) Florida State 3 (5 inn.)
- Game 2: Friday, May 24 | 8 p.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Saturday, May 25 | TBD
No. 3 Tennessee vs. No. 14 Alabama
SEC foes are set to clash with one another with a spot in Oklahoma City on the line in a rematch of a series that captivated countless audiences down south a few weeks ago.
The Volunteers (43-10) earned the series victory last time around, surrendering just one run to the Crimson Tide (36-17) en route to a fairly commanding win. Given Tennessee’s stingy pitching — the Vols posted the lowest ERA allowed in all go college softball this season (1.40) — this could be a challenging foe to best if you’re of the Crimson Tide’s persuasion.
- Game 1: Friday, May 24 | 4 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo
- Game 2: Saturday, May 25 | 3 p.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 26 | TBD
No. 4 Florida vs. Baylor
The Gators and Bears are set to duel for a spot in the WCWS. The Gators have to be considered the favorites heading into the contest, particularly with four 1.000+ OPS batters.
- Game 1: Florida 4, Baylor 2 (Florida leads 1-0)
- Game 2: Saturday, May 25 | 11 a.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 26 | TBD
MORE: Updated college softball super regionals scores, results, schedule
No. 5 Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
The Cowboys and Wildcats will test their wits in the Stillwater regional. The Cowboys are seeking their first-ever national title. A good first step would be a victory over an upstart Arizona squad which has stunned competitors en route to the regionals.
- Game 1: Friday, May 24 | 8 p.m. | ESPNU, Fubo
- Game 2: Saturday, May 25 | 7 p.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 26 | TBD
No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 11 Georgia
The Bruins and Bulldogs will clash in Los Angeles with a spot in the WCWS on the line. It should prove a delightful matchup, particularly given both sides’ proclivity for postseason success: UCLA has 12 national titles, while Georgia has three WCWS appearances in the last seven years.
- Game 1: (6) UCLA 8, (11) Georgia 0 (6 inn.)
- Game 2: Friday, May 24 | 10 p.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Saturday, May 25 | TBD
No. 7 Missouri vs. No. 10 Duke
The Tigers and Blue Devils will duel in the Columbia Regionals. Missouri (47-16) is led by Alex Honnold, while Claire Davidson powers Duke’s 50-6 explosive lineup.
- Game 1: (10) Duke 6, (7) Missouri 3
- Game 2: Saturday, May 25 | 1 p.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 26 | TBD
No. 8 Stanford vs. No. 9 LSU
When you have NiJaree Canady, you have a chance. The Cardinal are led by their star arm, who is conceding an otherworldly 0.52 earned runs per game. That’s 0.32 fewer earned runs than prospective NL Cy Young favorite Shota Imanaga.
Plenty of sides have been spearheaded by aces. Stanford is hoping it will be next in a line of WCWS-caliber sides to ride their golden arm to a title. At present, it’s easy to see why.
- Game 1: Friday, May 24 | 10 p.m. | ESPNU, Fubo
- Game 2: Saturday, May 25 | 9 p.m.
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 26 | TBD
Women’s College World Series schedule 2024
- Super regionals: May 23-26
- WCWS: May 30-June 7
The Women’s College World Series is set to begin Thursday, May 30. The eight super regional winners will advance to play for the NCAA softball tournament championship.
All games will be played at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Okla.
