Winning a game in the postseason is always a thrill.
But winning a postseason game in extra innings and walk-off fashion brings with it a whole other set of sensations.
Back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years, the Kansas softball team got to experience exactly that on Friday, winning 1-0 over Michigan in extra innings in the opening game of the Norman regional.
The win moved KU into the winner's bracket, and they'll meet top-seeded Oklahoma at 2 p.m. Saturday in the double-elimination tourney. Michigan and Binghamton will face off in an elimination game on Saturday.
“That was a great defensive and pitching game for both sides,” KU coach Jennifer McFalls said after the thrilling win. “Getting down to the wire, I was just so proud of this team, their grit and commitment to finishing the game out.”
In many ways, Friday's win seemed scripted all season.
Star shortstop Hailey Cripe — the heart and face of this program for the past three or four seasons — led off the bottom of the 8th inning with a walk. Star freshman Ella Boyer then doubled off the left-center field wall to put the winning run on third base with no outs.
Two batters later, sophomore Ava Wallace ripped a line drive to left to bring the winning run across home plate.
While that was all the offense the Jayhawks needed, they got another stellar pitching performance from freshman Lila Partridge to complete the feat.
She pitched her sixth complete game of the season and second complete-game shutout, giving up just 6 hits with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts.
Other Jayhawks played key roles, as well. Everyone always does in a 1-run, shutout victory.
But those four Jayhawks listed above who were at the heart of the biggest moments of Friday's big win were also some of the brightest stars throughout the Jayhawks' regular season.
In addition to her game-winning RBI, Wallace also made a highlight grab to end the fifth inning while falling into the wall in left field to rob Michigan of extra bases and thwart a potential threat.
The win moved KU to 36-19 on the season, marking the program's most wins since putting up 40 back in 2015.
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