Duke softball’s first trip to the Women’s College World Series only lasted two games, but the Blue Devils still broke down program barriers all year in 2024.
The Blue Devils won 52 games this season, including their first two Super Regional victories in school history, to reach the final bracket. However, a brutal draw against an Oklahoma Sooners team with seven losses over the past two seasons led to a rough opening outing.
The Blue Devils took the field again one day later, this time needing to fend off the Alabama Crimson Tide in order to avoid elimination. Star sophomore Cassidy Curd held them to one run through the first five innings and Ana Gold mashed Duke’s second home run of the tournament, but a solo shot from Alabama catcher Marlie Giles in the sixth inning proved to be too much to overcome.
Check out the best photos from Duke’s first trip to the sport’s biggest stage below.