CHATTANOOGA, TN - The Oklahoma City Spark stormed into the Chattanooga Champion Cup as the top seed, flaunting a 15-7 overall record as they entered the tournament. Over the weekend, the Spark faced off against the Chattanooga Steam, New York Rise, and Florida Vibe, going undefeated and outscoring opponents 29-10 in games that all showcased the long ball. Jocelyn Alo made a dominant return to the Spark roster; she went 3-for-8 with three home runs during the tournament. Jayda Coleman went 5-for-9 with a pair of home runs, a double and five RBIs. Haley Lee led the squad driving in nine runs with two home runs and four hits.
Game 1: OKC Spark vs. Chattanooga Steam (Thursday, July 25)
The No. 1 seeded Spark faced off against the No. 4 seed Chattanooga Steam to begin the Champion Cup competition. Amber Fiser set the tone in the circle, delivering a dominant performance by allowing just one hit and one walk over three innings. The offensive fireworks started early, with Jocelyn Alo hitting a solo homer in her first at-bat of the season. Sydney Sherrill followed up in the second inning, driving in Haley Lee with a single.
The third inning was explosive for the Spark, as they scored nine runs on four hits. Home runs from Haley Lee and Jayda Coleman highlighted the inning, pushing the score to 11-0. The Steam attempted a comeback in the fifth with two home runs off Alex Storako, but Jayda Coleman sealed the deal with a two-run homer in the bottom of the inning, ending the game with an 11-4 victory and advancing the Spark to the semi-finals.
Game 2: OKC Spark vs. New York Rise (Friday, July 26)
On Friday night, Keilani Ricketts took the mound for the Spark against their most frequent opponent this season, the New York Rise. The Rise managed to score one run in the first inning, but the Spark quickly responded. Kinzie Hansen and Haley Lee each contributed hits, driving in two runs to take the lead.
In the bottom of the third, the Spark extended their lead with a three-run homer from Alynah Torres, scoring Tiare Jennings and another run off a hit by Jennings herself. Ricketts pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits and two earned runs while striking out four. The Spark secured a 5-2 win, moving on to the championship game.
Championship Game: OKC Spark vs. Florida Vibe (Saturday, July 27)
Maddie Penta took the circle for the Spark on Championship Saturday, aiming to clinch the title without needing the 'if necessary' game. The Spark's offense came alive early, with Kinzie Hansen driving in Jayda Coleman and Tiare Jennings with a double in the first inning.
The Florida Vibe fought back, tying the game at 2-2 in the top of the third, but the Spark quickly regained the lead. Jocelyn Alo hit one of her signature home runs, followed by a two-run homer from Sydney Sherrill, making it 5-2. But the home run derby didn't stop there. The Spark continued their power surge in the fourth, with Haley Lee hitting a three-run homer that scored Rylee Bayless and Kinzie Hansen. Alo added her second home run of the day in the sixth, scoring Coleman and Yvonne Whaley. Jayda Coleman capped off the game with a spectacular home run robbery - her first in a Spark jersey - securing the championship with an 11-4 victory.
The Spark's dominant performance throughout the tournament, highlighted by their powerful batting, left no doubt about their championship caliber. With only two games left this season, don't miss the chance to see the Spark in action on August 2nd and 3rd at Devon Park. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours at okcspark.com/tickets!
Last Home Games:
Friday, August 2 at 7pm
Spark vs. Women's All-Army Softball
Special Events: Military Appreciation Night with Flyover
Saturday, August 3 at 7pm
Spark vs. Women's All-Army Softball
Special Events: Home Run Derby and Moxie's Birthday Bash