THE CARDIAC KIDS

The 2018 NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series National Champion trophy symbolizes FSU’s improbable and historic championship run in Oklahoma City. The Noles became just the third team in the 37-year history of the Women’s College World Series to lose its opener and still win the national title. In the decisive 8-3 victory over No. 5 Washington, pitcher Meghan King rebounded after early trouble, allowing just three hits after the 1st inning and shutting down the Huskies the rest of the night. What began with defensive miscues and a 3-0 deficit quickly turned into a familiar script for a team known as the “Cardiac Kids.” As head coach Lonni Alameda reassured her players amid laughter in the dugout, FSU responded with composure, timely offense and belief. “Nobody believed in us; everybody doubted us,” WCWS Most Outstanding Player Jessie Warren said. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team for making history.”