The Baylor softball team will make their fourth appearance in Women's College World Series after a dramatic 6-5 victory over No. 2-seed Arizona on Sunday.
After dropping the first game of the series Friday, Baylor rallied for late-inning victories both Saturday and Sunday, including a three-run homer by freshman Shelby McGlaun in the top of the seventh inning to give the Lady Bears a much-needed lift after losing a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth.
With five solid innings of work behind her, senior pitcher Kelsee Selman saw that two-run lead vanquish with collecting an out in the bottom of the sixth. Sophomore Gia Rodoni, who tossed two no-hitters in Baylor's regional last weekend, entered the game with the Lady Bears trailing 4-3.
After walking in Arizona's fifth run, Rodoni escaped the inning with the Lady Bears trailing the game 5-3.
A leadoff double by second baseman Ari Hawkins put Baylor in position for before an intentional walk to senior Shelby Friudenberg set the stage for the freshman McGlaun with no outs. The three-run homer was a no-doubter to dead center field.
Baylor returned to the field to close the game with Rodoni still on the mound, but after two walks sandwiching a caught stealing, head coach Glenn Moore placed Selman back in the game to secure the victory.
Baylor will face Big 12 Champion and rival Oklahoma in the opening round of the WCWS on Thursday evening in Oklahoma City.