Former Aledo all-state and current University of Minnesota starting shortstop Allie Arneson realized a dream come true when she played in her first Women's College World Series today against UCLA at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.
Minnesota fell, 7-2, but Arneson drove in a key run with a hit that cut the Bruins' lead to 3-2. However, UCLA scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth and held off the Gophers in the seventh to seal the win.
Arneson, who had what turned out to be the game-winning hit with a home run in the Gophers' victory over LSU last weekend to clinch a Super Regional and reach the WCWS, stayed hot and lined a two-strike hit to left field.
"I was just trying to stay alive,” she said. “She threw me an inside, low pitch and that is what I wanted.”
Arneson said she has watched the Women's College World Series every year on television, but this was the first time she had been to Hall of Fame Stadium. She said when she walked onto the field for warmups that she realized she would actually be playing in a game at the World Series.
"When I was a little girl," Arneson said, "I watched the World Series every year and I always dreamed about being a big girl playing softball on TV.
"When I walked on the field I took a moment to embrace it all - it is awesome being at this stadium and living a dream."
Minnesota will face Washington at 11 a.m. Saturday in an elimination game. The game will be televised on ESPN.
For the complete story on Allie Arneson's experience at the Women's College World Series see the June 7 issue of The Community News.
Minnesota senior shortstop Allie Arneson fires up her team prior to the UCLA game. Arneson finished with a hit and an RBI, and she threw a runner out at home plate. Photo by Tony Eierdam
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