OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - In their final series of the 2024 season, the OKC Spark secured decisive 13-0 and 10-2 victories against the All-Army team, showcasing strong pitching from non-traditional arms and relentless offense. The Spark also concluded their season finale with a Home Run Derby, presented by Dental Depot, in which Jocelyn Alo was crowned as the Spark Home Run Queen. We are so grateful to the All-Army team and staff for a great series to conclude our season at the Softball Capital of the World.
Game 1 Recap:
Left-hander Keilani Ricketts set the tone early by shutting down the All-Army batters, striking out three. The Spark offense quickly capitalized, with Jayda Coleman, Jocelyn Alo, and Kinzie Hansen loading the bases. Haley Lee’s walk and Alynah Torres’s single brought in three runs, giving the Spark an early 2-0 lead. In the second inning, Ricketts continued her dominance, allowing only one baserunner. The Spark offense erupted again, scoring four runs through a combination of walks and singles from Lee, Tiare Jennings, and Sydney Sherrill, extending the lead to 6-0. In the third, Ricketts retired the side in order, while the Spark's offense put the game out of reach. Key hits from Coleman, Lee, and Michelle Moultrie, along with several walks, added seven more runs, making it 13-0. In the fourth, Auburn alum Maddie Penta entered the circle and gracefully struck out the side. Another hit from Jennings scored Hansen to add another run on the scoreboard. In the fifth and final inning, the unthinkable happened - Rylie Boone made her pro pitching debut and her first appearance in the circle since high school. Boone secured the combined no-hitter for the Spark pitching staff, the only no-hitter of the summer.
Game 2 & Home Run Derby Recap:
For the final game of the 2024 Spark season, Jayda Coleman reminded fans that she used to be the country's top utility player before becoming the country's top centerfielder. Throwing it back to her high school days, she started the game in the circle. She even had an impressive backhanded play at the end of the inning after charging a slow roller along the third base line. In the bottom of the first, Coleman led with a double and later scored off a Jennings line drive to centerfield. In the second inning, five hits off the bats of Chloe Malau'ulu, Yvonne Whaley, Boone, Sherrill, and Coleman scored five runs. Later in the game, pitchers Amber Fiser, Keely Rochard, and Maddie Penta had some fun with their own at-bats. Rylie Boone and Sydney Sherrill closed out the game in the circle to prepare the crowd for the Home Run Derby!
In the first rounds, Jocelyn Alo, Kinzie Hansen, Haley Lee, and Tiare Jennings came out on top against Chloe Malau'ulu, Alynah Torres, Jayda Coleman, and Sydney Sherrill, respectively. Alo vs. Hansen and Lee vs. Jennings created an exciting atmosphere in OKC for the semi-final round, but ultimately it was Alo who was crowned the Home Run Queen with Jennings as the runner-up. We want to thank everyone who came out on Saturday night for a energetic and fun-filled night. The Spark wouldn't be the same without you!
The 2024 season might be over, but our youth clinics are just getting started! We are thrilled to offer youth clinics during our off-season thanks to Driving Force Sports. September's Spark clinic will be focused on outfield skills with Rylie Boone and Jayda Coleman. Click here for more information!
Additionally, deposits for 2025 season tickets are now available at 2024 prices for a limited time only. Click here to put down a $99 refundable deposit - deadline is September 3rd!
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