Changes Coming To This Year’s Women’s College World Series

Many of those changes coming to the 2022 Women’s College World Series are thanks to Oklahoma softball head coach Patty Gasso.

Last year, Gasso criticized a long weekend which included doubleheaders, no instant replays and athletes playing beyond 10 p.m. Oklahoma City time.

Here are some of changes to the tournament, which starts Thursday. It's now a nine-day event.

Teams that are in the loser’s bracket will not have to play doubleheaders on the same day.

The changes will also include a day of rest for the two teams who advance to the finals.

Those two teams will play in a best-of-three series.

The NCAA said the changes will prioritize student-athlete rest, recovery and preparation.

Last year, Oklahoma State lost to Florida State, with the game ending at 2:18 the next morning. Florida State already played a must-win game earlier in the day.

A two-hour weather delay was to blame for all the games being pushed back. OU played UCLA in a game ending at 11:30 p.m.

The Sooners then had to play their next game with only 12 hours of rest for a rematch against James Madison at noon.

Gasso said she knew she needed to speak up for changes.

"Playing games after 10 at night, and being the elder at the World Series, I thought it was my obligation to speak on these issues. I do think they were heard. Are we there yet? Absolutely not. I will keep talking as long as I have a voice," Gasso told News 9’s Robin Marsh. 

Thursday's gates open at the Hall of Fame Stadium. OU plays against Northwestern at 1:30 p.m. while the Cowgirls face Arizona at 8:30 p.m.

If you want to watch a game, tickets are still available for sessions.