Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, December 26, 2024 73° Today's Paper


Sports BreakingTop News

Former Campbell High star Alo powers Oklahoma to Women’s College World Series berth

THE OKLAHOMAN VIA AP

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo celebrated a home run in the third inning during Friday’s game against Arkansas.

Oklahoma star freshman Jocelyn Alo, a former two-time player of the year at Campbell, had three hits, including her NCAA-leading 28th homer, to power the Sooners past Arkansas 9-0 today and send the two-time defending Women’s College World Series champions back to the WCWS.

Oklahoma won the Norman Super Regional in Norman, Okla., two games to none in the best-of-three series, capturing Friday’s opener 7-2 in which Alo homered and the Sooners allowed their first runs in the NCAA tournament.

Alo, the national freshman of the year finalist, is on pace to break former Sooner star Lauren Chamberlain’s school and Big 12 record of 30 homers in her freshman season in 2012. The single-season NCAA record-holder is Laura Espinoza, who hit 37 in 72 games for Arizona in 1995.

Alo’s feats helped the Sooners (55-3) cap an unbeaten season at home at 30-0.

The WCWS will be held in the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, starting Tuesday to June 5.

Oklahoma joins 11-time champion UCLA as the first two teams in the WCWS. UCLA clinched its berth by beating Arizona on Friday. The rest of the eight-team field will be completed today.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.