Vestavia's Caroline Hardy Bama's Hero In World Series

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The University of Alabama's softball team simply would not quit against top-seeded Oklahoma in the Women's College World Series semifinal, taking the Sooners into extra innings before a pinch-hit RBI by Vestavia Hills alum Caroline Hardy won the game for the Crimson Tide in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Alabama's freshman sensation pitcher Montana Fouts shut out the nation's most powerful offense for 7 innings, but Alabama was unable to score, sending the game into extra innings. After Fouts held the Sooners in the top of the 8th, Alabama was one out from having to head to the 9th, when Hardy was called upon with a runner on second to pinch hit.

With two strikes, Hardy smoked a pitch into right field, scoring the Bama runner from second. The win forced a second game against the Sooners later Sunday night, although Alabama fell to Oklahoma in the nightcap.

Oklahoma moves on to play UCLA in the championship. Hardy finished her Alabama career having played on two teams that advanced to the Women's College World Series, and all four of her teams reaching Super Regionals.