Ponytails, braids, singsong cheers, bows and a big yellow ball - how are these things connected? They are all key components of the Division I Women’s College World Series. First round tournament play began today in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a state where great things come from – such as myself. The tournament is now in its 26th year and showcases talent from around the nation. The top 8 teams are Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, DePaul, Northwestern, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Washington.

Our very own Mississippi State Bulldogs made an appearance in Regional tournament play where they beat Pacific, but fell to Arizona (the number one seed) and then to Pacific in an elimination game. With talent such as freshman Chelsea Bramlet and junior Hayle Guess returning, we may see STATE in the top 8 in 2008. Bramlet was recently named National Fastpitch Coaches Association First Team All-America. She was also named SEC Freshman of the Year.

As a fastptich softball player myself it excites me to see the support in the stands, dugouts and press boxes at the World Series. Fans are going crazy with their faces painted and ESPN’s Holly Rowe is doing live interviews from the dugouts. What a change-up?!
I’m watching women’s softball in high definition on ESPN.
Two words: female domination.

Tune in and watch attractive women pull off eye black on their faces while drilling a laser-like 70 MPH fastball. It’s that kind of distinct talent that makes softball worthy of being on national TV. Women can look good while playing even better. They can hit a big round ball with a big round bat with composure and control – trust me it’s harder than you think.

Saltalamacchia should be a spelling bee word.

Christi