What Is 2010 Women's College World Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Women's College World Series (WCWS) was held from June 3–9, 2010, in Oklahoma City, where the University of Washington defeated Florida to win its first national title with a 6–0 victory in the final game.

Key Facts

The 2010 WCWS took place from June 3 to June 9, 2010, at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.
University of Washington won its first NCAA Women's College World Series championship in program history.
Washington defeated the University of Florida 6–0 in the decisive final game.
Washington pitcher Danielle Lawrie was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
This was the 29th edition of the NCAA Women's College World Series.

Overview

The 2010 Women's College World Series was the culmination of the NCAA Division I softball season, featuring the top eight collegiate teams competing for the national championship. Held annually in Oklahoma City, the 2010 edition marked a historic moment for the University of Washington, which claimed its first title in program history.

The tournament showcased elite pitching, dramatic comebacks, and record-setting performances, drawing thousands of fans and national television attention. Washington’s run to the title was fueled by dominant pitching and timely hitting, culminating in a shutout victory over Florida in the championship series.

June 3–9, 2010: The tournament spanned seven days at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, following a double-elimination format among the final eight teams.
University of Washington: Entered the WCWS as the No. 2 seed in its bracket and became the first team from the Pac-10 to win the title since 2002.
Championship Result: Washington defeated Florida 6–0 in Game 2 of the finals, completing a two-game sweep after winning Game 1 3–1.
Danielle Lawrie: The senior pitcher threw a complete-game shutout in the final and finished the tournament with a 0.35 ERA across 31 innings.
Attendance: The series drew a total attendance of 77,854, averaging over 9,700 fans per session, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s college softball.

How It Works

The Women's College World Series follows a structured playoff format that determines the NCAA Division I softball champion through regional, super regional, and final championship rounds.

Double-Elimination Format: The final eight teams compete in a double-elimination bracket until two remain, who then face off in a best-of-three championship series. This structure ensures resilience and consistency under pressure.
Selection Process: Sixteen teams advance to super regionals based on season performance, with eight winners progressing to the WCWS. Selection is determined by the NCAA Selection Committee using RPI, strength of schedule, and conference results.
Game Length: Games are seven innings long, with extra innings played if tied after regulation. The international tiebreaker rule places a runner on second base starting in the 10th inning.
Most Outstanding Player: Awarded to the top performer of the series; in 2010, it went to Washington’s Danielle Lawrie, who recorded 39 strikeouts and allowed only two earned runs.
Host Venue: The series has been held at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City since 1990, a neutral site chosen for its central location and softball-friendly facilities.
Television Coverage: ESPN televised all games in 2010, increasing national exposure and contributing to record viewership for women’s collegiate sports events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key teams that advanced to the 2010 WCWS, highlighting their season records, conference affiliations, and final outcomes:

Team	Overall Record	Conference	WCWS Result	Head Coach
University of Washington	53–11	Pac-10	Champions	Loree Moore
University of Florida	63–5	SEC	Runner-up	Tim Walton
UCLA	49–13	Pac-10	3rd Place	Sue Enquist
Alabama	54–10	SEC	4th Place	Patty Gasso
Arizona State	50–13	Pac-10	Eliminated in semifinals	Courtney Brenner

The 2010 tournament highlighted the dominance of Pac-10 and SEC teams, with three of the final four teams coming from those conferences. Washington’s victory broke the Southeastern Conference’s recent stranglehold on the title, signaling a shift in national competitiveness.

Why It Matters

The 2010 Women's College World Series was a landmark event for collegiate softball, both in terms of athletic achievement and cultural impact. It elevated the visibility of women’s sports and demonstrated the high level of competition in NCAA Division I athletics.

Historic First: Washington’s championship marked the first national title in softball for the school, validating years of program development and investment.
Player Legacy: Danielle Lawrie finished her career with 1,421 strikeouts and became a role model for young pitchers nationwide.
Conference Representation: The strong showing by Pac-10 teams helped boost the conference’s reputation in women’s athletics.
Media Impact: ESPN’s coverage reached millions, increasing sponsorship interest and fan engagement in women’s college sports.
Attendance Growth: The 2010 series contributed to a decade-long trend of rising attendance, with Oklahoma City becoming a premier destination for softball fans.
Pathway to Olympics: Several players from the 2010 WCWS, including Lawrie, went on to represent Team USA in international competition.

The 2010 Women's College World Series not only crowned a champion but also advanced the profile of women’s collegiate athletics, setting the stage for future growth and investment in the sport.