I've been watching every game of the Women's College World Series for a few years now, it's my favorite sports event. There are 8 teams in the double elimination tournament that starts Thursday:
Georgia
Alabama
Arizona
Michigan
Arizona State
Florida
Washington
Missouri

I decided not to go to Oklahoma City, the home of the WCWS, but I am in a campground near the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, and I have satellite TV and will be able to watch all the games. Here's the brackets, get a better view at the first link:

http://proxy.espn.go.com/ncaa/bracket?id=4156071

http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/2009/ncaa_bracket_DI_softball.html



And here's the first day's action Thursday, May 28:

1 p.m.: No. 6 Georgia vs. No. 3 Washington (ESPNHD, ESPN360.com)

3 p.m.: No. 10 Arizona State vs. Missouri (ESPNHD, ESPN360.com)

7 p.m.: No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama (ESPNHD, ESPN360.com)

9 p.m.: No. 9 Arizona vs. No. 1 Florida (ESPNHD, ESPN360.com)

Note that UCLA didn't advance out of the Super Regionals, unranked Missouri beat 'em. Alabama's pitcher threw two no-hitters in the two Super Regional games they played, and they can score some runs, too, so they may be a sleeper. Florida is rated number 1. I'll be roooting for Michigan to win it all again.

Seriously, I love watching this game. Most teams have a team GPA of over 3.33, they absolutely love the game, they are fundamentally sound, there are close games with good pitching and a lot of little ball, so every play is important. They do play long ball, too. These are just outstanding young athletes doing what they love to do. John Kruk helped on color last year, and was blown away with the quality of the play and the intensity. He will be back this year.

Do yourself a favor, watch a game or two, you'll love it.

-Chuck, Vegetarian fanboy