OKLAHOMA CITY – On Saturday the DePaul softball team will have a chance to avenge their 2000 loss to the University of Alabama at the WCWS. In 2000, Alabama eliminated DePaul and in 2005 the stakes are the same as one team’s historic season will end Saturday afternoon. The elimination game will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the winner playing the loser of the Tennessee/UCLA game Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. Both games will be televised on ESPN.
The Blue Demons (45-20) dropped their first game to Michigan, 3-0 Thursday evening. Kara Amundson, Jessica Evans and Ashley Parker all recorded hits, but the Blue Demons were shut out by Michigan starter Jennie Ritter. Ritter fanned 12 Blue Demons batters.
The Crimson Tide also lost their first game, 3-0 but it was at the hands of Texas’ Cat Osterman, who struck out 17 Alabama batters.
Alabama eliminated DePaul from the 2000 WCWS with a 6-4 victory and the two teams have not met since. The Crimson Tide lead the overall series 2-1.