What Tennessee softball coachKaren Weeklyand the Lady Vols said Wednesday at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, before opening against Texas on Thursday (2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, ESPN) at Devon Park: KAREN WEEKLY: Just great to be here.

Once powerhouse Oklahoma fell out of the race for the Women's College World Series national championship, a new chase emerged for its massive local fanbase.

The Women's College World Series field is set. Here are USA TODAY Sports' picks for who will win the biggest tournament in NCAA softball.

Watch No. 1 Nebraska Softball at the Women’s College World Series with our full preview, matchup breakdown, key players to watch, and complete TV channel and streaming information for every game.

The path to crown a champion starts on Thursday for the eight softball squads playing in the Women's College World Series (WCWS). Fans are already outside Devon Park getting things ready for all the action over the next week and a half.

Top overall seed Alabama, defending national champion Texas, and Big Ten Conference champion Nebraska headline a balanced field of contenders at the Women's College World Series.

The Sooners have made the WCWS nine consecutive times but haven't faced Super Regional elimination during that streak.