Breaking News: NCAA Softball Record Broken Again

13,207 Fans Pack Big Swing Game

Stanford and Cal shattered the NCAA softball attendance record on April 19, drawing 13,207 fans to Stanford Stadium for the highly anticipated Big Swing Game. The crowd eclipsed the previous record of 9,259 fans set just a few days earlier on April 9 during the Bedlam Series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. In an action-packed showdown, Cal defeated Stanford, 10-8, in a high-scoring battle that showcased the sport’s explosive growth and fan engagement. Read on for key takeaways from the game, historic context, and what this milestone means for the future of NCAA softball. For more exclusive stories and player coverage, become a member of Extra Inning Softball.

Background on the Rivalry

The Big Swing Game was created as a non-conference rivalry matchup between two of the top programs on the West Coast: California (30-16, 7-11 ACC) and Stanford (32-9, 11-7 ACC). While the teams already share a rich competitive history, this special showcase was designed to elevate visibility for women’s collegiate softball.

Held at Stanford Stadium, the event brought softball to a much larger venue typically reserved for football. With thousands of fans in attendance, the matchup created an unforgettable atmosphere and a benchmark moment for the sport.

Cal’s Explosive Start

Cal’s offense ignited immediately. A leadoff home run opened the scoring, followed by a two-run double and a two-run blast to cap a five-run first inning. The early momentum gave the Golden Bears a cushion that would prove vital in the back-and-forth contest.

Aggressive baserunning and power at the plate allowed Cal to put pressure on Stanford from the outset, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Stanford Closes the Gap

Stanford responded quickly with a three-run homer in the bottom of the first, cutting the lead to 5-3. Another three-run shot in the third inning brought the Cardinal within one. The crowd remained engaged throughout, as momentum shifted inning by inning.

Though trailing early, Stanford showed why it is a top-15 team nationally, using power and patience at the plate to stay in the game.

Bell and Pond Power Cal

Cal extended its lead again with home runs and productive at-bats from its power hitters. The Bears plated three runs in the fourth inning with a combination of singles, sacrifice flies, and situational execution.

By the end of the game, Cal had totaled 10 runs on timely hits and consistent offensive pressure. The team’s balanced approach helped maintain control during Stanford’s late push.

Late Inning Drama

Stanford added solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings to close the gap to 10-8. The Cardinal put runners on base in the final frames but could not complete the comeback. Cal’s defense held firm, ending the game with the largest crowd in NCAA softball history on its feet.

The final score reflected the competitiveness of both teams, but the attendance figure underscored the larger story of the night.

A New Standard for the Sport

The previous record of 9,259 fans, set during the April 9 Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State game, stood for only four days. Stanford and Cal’s Big Swing Game set a new standard with a crowd of 13,207, showing the rapid growth of interest in college softball.

This game proved that women’s sports, and softball in particular, can draw massive in-person audiences, especially when showcased on a grand stage.

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