Kelly Maxwell on her performance vs. UCLA in Women's College World Series: '10 out of 10'

Going up against Maya Brady and a high-powered UCLA offense, Kelly Maxwell faced a tall task. The Oklahoma ace got the nod in Saturday’s Women’s College World Series winners bracket game, hoping to punch the Sooners’ ticket to the national semifinals.

It turns out one run was enough as Maxwell cruised through the Bruins lineup. As for how she’d rate her performance, it might be hard to top.

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“10 out of 10,” she told ESPN’s Holly Rowe with a smile.

Maxwell – who transferred from Oklahoma State – was nothing short of dominant during her complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out 11 UCLA hitters en route to the 1-0 victory. Oklahoma is now back in the national semifinal for the eighth straight WCWS semifinal.

The last out was perhaps the hardest. Maxwell had to face Brady, who struck out each of her previous three at-bats, with two outs in the seventh inning. The Pac-12 Player of the Year helped propel UCLA to Oklahoma City, and it felt like an opportunity after a rough start to the day.

However, Brady grounded to second base for the final out, and Maxwell said she didn’t want to do anything different amid her strong day.

“I think just staying within myself,” Maxwell said. “Trusting my pitches and letting my team have my back.”

Facing such a strong opponent meant Kelly Maxwell had to keep the UCLA hitters off guard. She did just that, mixing speeds throughout the day and drawing praise from head coach Patty Gasso for it during the game. That was an important part of the game plan going in, and Maxwell said that was the key to success.

“It means everything,” Maxwell said. “I think just changing up my look and setting them off balance is really what helped me today.”

Of course, this isn’t Maxwell’s first time in the circle at Devon Park – formerly USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium – in Oklahoma City. She played in the WCWS last year, although she was wearing orange and white as she anchored the Oklahoma State rotation. By transferring to OU, she was looking for more national championship opportunities, and she has the Sooners on the doorstep once again.

When asked about how proud she is of her decision, she deflected and turned it toward her teammates.

“I’m just proud of this team,” Maxwell said, “and I’m proud that I made this decision.”