2023 Softball Super Regional Previews
Good luck…lots of coin flips.
No long preface needed. Let’s just jump into what are some of the most interesting Super Regional matchups we have seen in a long time.
(16) Clemson at (1) Oklahoma
This might be the only regional with general consensus amongst pundits and fans alike (excluding die hard Clemson fans). Oklahoma is as overwhelming as ever and sliced through their regional like a hot knife through butter. What to watch out for though, is the fact that when Clemson hitting gets hot, it gets REAL hot. And with a legitimate ace in Valerie Cagle, you can’t completely write the Tigers off. But Oklahoma from top to bottom is the more talented team with the deeper staff, and that home crowd is going to be unrelenting.
Winner: Oklahoma
San Diego State at (15) Utah
The Utes are hosting this Super Regional because a couple mid majors decided to knock off UCLA last week. San Diego State though? Not one of those mid majors to do so. They just kept winning the games they played. The Aztecs have good pitching and timely hitting, but Utah showed they could win in multiple ways last weekend, and I expect them to continue that good form. This series likely goes three, but the Utes seem to be the more complete team.
Winner: Utah
(14) Georgia at (3) Florida State
While Georgia breezed through their regional scoring runs for fun, Florida State had to work for it the last day and with the help of a FIFTY NINE PITCH (had to emphasize that again) perfect game from Kathryn Sandercock and company to edge out South Carolina. Georgia presents a much more potent offense but has been streaky throughout the season. For their part, the Seminoles haven’t been the most consistent when it comes to scoring runs either. But even past Sandercock, I believe FSU has the better pitching staff. Whether this one goes the distance depends heavily on the hitting of Georgia, But I still have FSU.
Winner: Florida State
(13) Texas at (4) Tennessee
That’s a lot of orange…but not the same orange. Both teams handled their regionals with relative ease, so neither will be coming in particularly intimidated by the other. However, outside of Oklahoma, in my opinion Tennessee has been the most consistent and well balanced team in the country. Exceptional pitching, phenomenal hitting, and a home crowd that we know will be going insane makes this a tall test for the Longhorns heading into Knoxville. Texas may get a game, but with UCLA out of the picture, I think Tennessee has the best shot at besting Oklahoma in Oklahoma City should both teams advance.
Winner: Tennessee
(12) Northwestern at (5) Alabama
Both of these teams REALLY had to work to get out of their regionals, even though Northwestern did not lose a game. Each was pushed to the limit by Miami of Ohio and Middle Tennessee State respectively. This series will legitimately hinge on pitching and more specifically, what can we expect if anything from Montana Fouts. Northwestern has an ace of their own in Sydney Supple that can command a game, but if Fouts is available and close to her old self, this series is decidedly in Alabama’s favor. This is going to come down to whose offense decides to show up, and I’m guessing Alabama is going to once again find a way.
Winner: Alabama
Oregon at (6) Oklahoma State
Last week, we saw good, gritty Oklahoma State. Oregon absolutely laid the smack down on Arkansas. The thing is, each of these teams has been inconsistent enough to where it’s hard to nail down a winner. If we get good Oklahoma State, this will be a breeze. If we get Oregon of last week, they can beat anyone in the country. This one has 3 games written all over it but I trust the pitching of Oklahoma State more and being at home to push them over the edge. We get good Cowgirls two weeks in a row.
Winner: Oklahoma State
Louisiana at (7) Washington
Each of these teams coming off of what objectively were the most exciting regionals last weekend, this may come down to who was able to recharge the quickest. Louisiana is no stranger to playing big time competition as their coach loaded up their OOC with plenty of teams inside the top 25. Washington’s bats had an awakening in the top of the 7th last weekend, so it’ll be interesting to see if that momentum carries over into this weekend. This is another pick 'em in my opinion. Each team is well balanced, resilient, and expects to go to Oklahoma City. My heart says Louisiana, and…I think I’m going to go with it. Call it a hunch.
Winner: Louisiana
(9) Stanford at (8) Duke
I already made all my very low hanging fruit jokes about academics and intelligence last week. So none of that now. Each of these teams made it through their regionals unscathed but Duke really had to work for it against Charlotte and may have had some help from the infamous catcher interference call. Stanford, just looks like they are rounding into form. They complimented their exceptional pitching with some great hitting last weekend. If you watched those games Stanford played against Florida, it was clear who the better team was. I expect more of the same this weekend. Stanford looks like they’re ready for the WCWS. Duke will have to wait another year.
Winner: Stanford
Short and sweet, games start tomorrow. Hang on everyone! This weekend is also gonna be insane!