Softball Closes Historic Campaign Against No. 1 Oklahoma

Monday, June 7

Oklahoma City, Okla.

4 p.m.

James Madison University

41-4

Oklahoma

54-3

James Madison

Oklahoma

Softball Closes Historic Campaign Against No. 1 Oklahoma

6/7/2021 8:05:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The James Madison softball team's historic season came to a close on Monday evening, as the Dukes dropped a 7-1 decision to top-seeded Oklahoma in their final game at the Women's College World Series at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Dukes, who finish their 2021 campaign with a 41-4 mark, jumped out to a 1-0 lead on the very first pitch, as Kate Gordon drilled a solo home run into the left field seats for her third homer in four games at the WCWS. Gordon finished her career with 71 career home runs and holds the JMU and CAA record for career home runs.

The Sooners (54-3), however, would rack up 10 hits on the day, including four more extra-base hits as Oklahoma starter Giselle Juarez held JMU scoreless the rest of the way. With the win, Oklahoma advances to the WCWS Finals to face either No. 3 Alabama or No. 10 Florida State.

Gordon would add another hit, her fourth of the WCWS, while fellow seniors Logan Newton and Madison Naujokas each tallied one of their own.

JMU would maintain their 1-0 advantage into the fourth inning, when the Sooners took advantage of a leadoff triple to plate a pair of runs. Oklahoma would score in each of their final three innings at the plate to pull away down the stretch.

Senior Odicci Alexander threw 4 2/3 innings in her final collegiate outing, receiving a standing ovation from USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium upon exiting the game. Alexander finished the season with a record of 18-3, 6-3 in the postseason. She tossed 204 strikeouts in 143.2 innings. The redshirt senior finished the WCWS with 66 strikeouts, second most at the tournament. Alissa Humphrey made her WCWS debut as she struck out one Sooner.

History Made

The Dukes made their first WCWS appearance and did not stop their as they became the first non-seeded team to ever start the WCWS 2-0 to end the Semifinals from the winner's bracket.
JMU has played on the road since May 21st, winning the Knoxville Regional and Columbia Super Regional.
The Dukes finished their historic run 6-3, defeating four teams in the top-10 and one team in the top-25, two of which were at opponent's home fields.