Regional X-Factors: Game-Changing Qualities That Could Script the Postseason

Of more than 300 Division 1 teams, only sixty-four are left vying for a Women’s College World Series berth and a national championship. Those 64 teams will enter this weekend, but only sixteen teams will emerge victorious.

In each regional, there are favorites, there are underdogs, and there are game-changing qualities that could upend any of those other titles. We call those qualities X-Factors – and here are the biggest in each Regional location. First, a look at important pieces in the regionals hosted by the top eight national seeds.

Norman Regional

Oklahoma’s pitching staff — Jordy Bahl’s injury could keep her out for the foreseeable future, which casts an extra shadow of importance on her bullpen mates in Norman. Hope Trautwein, a graduate transfer addition this season, and Nicole May figure to shoulder the majority of the workload in Bahl’s absence. The pair are quality hurlers, but the staff takes a step back without Bahl to helm them.

Tallahassee Regional

Georgina Corrick’s health — South Florida held Corrick out of the AAC tournament championship game due to their ace being “under the weather” at that time. Corrick is a top-3 finalist for National Player of the Year, underscoring her impact on the Bulls. If she’s healthy this week and can go at her normal level, she could give the regional opponents fits.

Blacksburg Regional

Virginia Tech’s 1-2 punch — The Hokies are the hosting team for the first time ever, but got a stacked regional field sent their way for their troubles. Hard-hitting Miami, scrappy and powerful Kentucky, and NEC champs Saint Francis will attempt to upset the hosts. Virginia Tech’s pitching staff will be of the utmost importance against some solid offensive tools – if Keely Rochard and Emma Lemley are on their best games, it gives the Hokies the best chance to win.

Fayetteville Regional

Arkansas’ arms — This regional could be a slugfest across the board and the team with the best pitching could be the determining factor. That’s Arkansas. The combo of Chenise Delce and a rejuvenated Mary Haff is a solid 1-2 to begin with, but both also have solid poise and are difference-makers in the circle even against top-level offenses.

Los Angeles Regional

UCLA’s veteranship — A team with the veteran experience of UCLA is always going to have an upper hand in the postseason – a favorable regional draw only helps matters. UCLA’s postseason experience and the veterans that dot their roster are what could see the Bruins through to the Super Regional round.

Tuscaloosa Regional

Stanford’s pitching — A pitching-heavy regional in Tuscaloosa probably means somebody with a big bat at the right time could come out ahead. The pitching for the Cardinal, though, will be of paramount importance in this regional weekend. Led by Alana Vawter, the circle has been a stronghold for Stanford this season.

Stillwater Regional

Oklahoma State’s bullpen depth — Miranda Elish’s injury puts the Cowgirls in an interesting place; Morgan Day was brought in via transfer even before Elish and has collected some effective innings. How effective Day and the remainder of the OSU bullpen can be will be of paramount importance the rest of the way.

Tempe Regional

Arizona State’s hitters — LSU is the one team that isn’t used to the desert weather, but ASU’s offense could rule the day in this field. The Sun Devils’ hitters boast a team slugging percentage of .627, have hit 94 home runs on the year, worked 177 walks, and have knocked 76 doubles.