Women's College World Series opener between Alabama, UCLA in weather delay due to lightning

The Women’s College World Series opener between Alabama and UCLA will not be beginning on time. The game has been delayed due to lightning in the area, it has been announced.

“Lightning in the area. Please seek shelter in a safe location on the concourse,” the Devon Park Twitter account posted.

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Tarp is on the field in OKC, with lightning in the area.

Stay tuned for updates at the #WCWS

📍Devon Park pic.twitter.com/GXTiyA6gw4

— D1Softball (@D1Softball) May 30, 2024

First pitch had been scheduled for Noon on ESPN.

Alabama softball is in the Women’s College World Series for the second straight year and the third time in four seasons. UCLA is also in the WCWS for the third time in four years, although the Bruins missed out last season.

Other games slated to take place on Day 1 of the Women’s College World Series on Thursday include No. 2 seed Oklahoma against No. 10 seed Duke, No. 1 seed Texas against No. 8 seed Stanford and No. 4 seed Florida against No. 5 seed Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma enters the WCWS having won three consecutive national titles.

Patrick Murphy on reaching Women’s College World Series: We watched this Alabama team grow up during this season

Patrick Murphy saw a lot of growth in Alabama softball over the course of the year and it all led to the Women’s College World Series.

Following a clean sweep in the Tuscaloosa Regional and taking two of three from Tennessee in the Super Regional, the Crimson Tide are one step closer. UCLA is next to open the Women’s College World Series.

Murphy described the journey to this point.

“You know, I just talked to an alum, Katie Johnson Rooney on the way here, and she’s like, ‘Murph holy buckets, is this really happening,’” Murphy said. “And I said, Katie, it’s the same response I’ve had. And everybody should be so proud of this group because, you know, they couldn’t listen to the negativity and they didn’t. I didn’t. The staff didn’t. And it’s one of those years where you literally saw a team grow up right in front of your eyes.” 

Murphy mentioned how the Crimson Tide overcame injuries at the most important positions throughout the year. It really proved their resilience.

“You know, we had three surgeries during the season,” Murphy said. “And I told the media up in Knoxville, it was catcher, pitcher, centerfield. It’s not like, you know, three important positions. It was three of the biggest positions, and they literally had surgery during the season. And so credit to … our training staff led by Jeff Allen, the team doctors were incredible. 

“And somehow, some way or all three of them are back and better than ever … But for them to do what they did, just to come back and play is a miracle in itself.”