After suffering a 10-game losing streak towards the end of the season, the Oregon State softball team barely squeaked into the postseason, earning a #3 seed in the Knoxville regional, and coming in as big underdogs.

But against all odds, the Beavers found a way to eliminate No.11 ranked Tennessee and extend their season.

Now, they are heading to the college world series for the first time since 2006.

After defeating super regional hosts Stanford 3-1 in game one in an excellent defensive performance, the Beavers picked up right where they left off on Saturday afternoon.

Once again, the Beavers did all of their offensive damage in one inning.  With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the first, Oregon State sophomore infielder Grace Messmer came through with a clutch at-bat.  On a 2-0 count, Messmer singled through the left side scoring Oregon State junior infielder Frankie Hammoude and Oregon State freshman outfielder Kiki Escobar, giving the Beavers a 2-0 lead.

From there, Beaver pitching did the rest.

The Cardinal never really threatened until the bottom of the fifth inning.  With runners on the corners and just one out, Oregon State went to senior pitcher Mariah Mazon.  Mazon, who shined in a complete-game performance last night, struck out two straight batters to get Oregon State out of the jam.

From there on, it was smooth sailing for the Beavers.  Mazon remained in the game and retired the final six batters she faced, sending Oregon State to Oklahoma City for the first time since 2006.

Oregon State freshman pitcher Sarah Haendiges picked up the win, going 4.1 innings and not giving up a run in her start in the circle.  Mazon picked up the save, and didn’t allow a baserunner in 2.2 innings of work.

Offensively for the Beavers, Messmer went one for thee with a two rbi single. Escobar and Oregon State freshman outfielder Eliana Gottlieb each had a hit and scored a run.

The other teams that have punched their ticket to Oklahoma City thus far are the University of Oklahoma Sooners, the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, the University of Arizona Wildcats, and the University of Texas Longhorns. There are two spots are still up for grabs.

The College World Series will begin on June 2 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.