Grand slam dreams
Florida celebrates a game-winning grand slam by Ali Gardiner to advance the Gators past Alabama to the championship round of the Women's College World Series, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Every little girl who plays softball dreams of the day when she will hit a grand-slam home run to give her team a win.
On Sunday this dream became a reality for Florida Gator Ali Gardiner.
Gardiner walked up to the plate in the bottom of the 7th as the Gators trailed Alabama by 3. With two outs and the bases loaded, Gardiner, who was 0-for-9 in the WCWS, hit the 2-1 pitch just beyond the fence in left field, propelling the Gators into the championship round.
After shooting one of the longest softball games of my life (the previous game between Georgia and Washington went for more than four hours), Gardiner’s heroics were a nice highlight. College softball rarely produces high scores. On Sunday, I saw 28 runs in just two games including 2 grand slams. This year’s WCWS has produced a record 24 home runs setting a new single tournament record. Sunday’s 7,000 plus fans got their money’s worth.
After six-plus hours standing in burning sun on Sunday, I was pretty miserable. But after editing the pictures of Gardiner being dog piled by her teammates, I knew it was worth the pain.
The WCWS stands are often filled young softball players and their families. Knowing that there are now several little girls dreaming of the day they can be just like Ali Gardiner puts a smile on my sunburnt face.
Florida's Ali Gardiner celebrates her game-winning grand slam as Alabama's Lauren Parker reacts during NCAA softball tournament game between Alabama and Florida, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Florida's Ali Gardiner celebrates her game-winning grand slam as as she rounds the bases during NCAA softball tournament game between Alabama and Florida, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Florida head coach Tim Walton celebrates the Gators' win over Alabama during NCAA softball tournament, Sunday May 31, 2008. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
Here are two photo galleries from the games I shot yesterday and one from the night game photographed by Bryan Terry.
Washington vs. Georgia, the rematch
-Sarah Phipps
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