WCWS 2008

Whew. What a bunch of great athletes. The NCAA softball tournament and WCWS was a delight to watch, even if it was only through a television. Nothing makes you feel more alive than competing in a sporting event. Watching Division I athletes compete against each other can be very exciting. The objective in most sporting events is to win. That's a good thing. Of course, a lot of fantastic performances can be experienced in losing efforts. My heart went out to Angela Tincher as her Virginia Tech Hokies were defeated in a grueling nine inning battle with #1 Florida. Florida has a bunch of talented players and most of that talent is young. Another great competitor who finished her collegiate career is Taryne Mowatt from Arizona. Mowatt played on two national championship teams during her career. If you mention competitor, better include Megan Gibson from Texas A&M. She did so much to get A&M into the championship game. On the way, she was named Big 12 pitcher of the year and player of the year. Unfortunately for A&M, Arizona State was between them and a national championship. I've mentioned State several times this season: here, here, here, and here.
Arizona State defeated Texas A&M in two games to claim the national softball championship. Katie Burkhart was just too strong for the A&M batters, giving up just six hits and recording 24 strike outs in two games. Though Arizona State will lose five seniors, including Burkhart, they have some power returning in Krista Donnenwirth and Caitlin Cochran. In game one, Donnenwith got 3 rbi's and a home run. In game two, Cochran hit a three run homer in the fifth inning that broke A&M's back.
game one
Arizona State 3-0

game two
Arizona State 11-0