OU Softball Star Jayda Coleman’s ‘Game-Changing’ Heroics Continue in WCWS Against Duke.
OU softball found themselves in a tight spot during the top of the fourth inning on Thursday at Devon Park. Duke had loaded the bases, trailing by three runs, with Gisele Tapia at the plate representing the potential lead. Feeling the pressure, the Sooners swapped starter Kelly Maxwell for sophomore Kierston Deal to get the final out. Tapia hit a fly ball to center field, the most dangerous area against OU.
Jayda Coleman stepped up once again.
Coleman’s heroics were evident in the Sooners’ first game of the Women’s College World Series. Her diving catch prevented multiple runs and helped secure OU’s 9-1 win over Duke. Coleman also shone offensively, going 2 for 4 with a double, two runs, and a stolen base.
“The catalyst today was Jayda Coleman,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso. “She did an excellent job in the leadoff spot as well.”
By the end of her collegiate career, Coleman will have a collection of miraculous plays. Just last week in the super regionals against Florida State, she robbed a home run by leaping over the fence and colliding with the outfield padding.
Florida State coach Lonni Alameda joked that Coleman probably has a highlight reel against FSU, as she seems to make a spectacular play every time they meet.
It’s not just against FSU; Coleman consistently makes highlight-reel plays. Duke was her latest victim on Thursday.
“We had bases loaded, she worked the count well and was inches away from a hit that would score runs,” said Duke head coach Marissa Young. “But great teams show up and make big plays. She’s done that repeatedly for them, and unfortunately, it didn’t go our way this time.”
Coleman’s catch not only saved the game for the Sooners but also took away any momentum the Blue Devils had. Gasso made sure to highlight her star outfielder’s contributions, noting that Coleman wasn’t getting enough recognition.
Coleman’s athleticism is becoming routine, but her impact on Thursday’s game was undeniable.
“Game-winning, game-changing one way or another,” Gasso said. “If she doesn’t make the play, a rally starts. If she does, momentum shifts to our dugout. She waits for those moments. Sometimes, I think she doesn’t run as fast as she could just to make these plays. She’s an incredible athlete. I’d be interested to see the analytics on how many runs she’s saved this season. She loves these big moments, thrives in this venue, and in this World Series. It’s her favorite thing to do, and we’re rallying behind her to let her lead us.”
