NCAA Softball World Series 2017: Thursday Results, Highlights, Twitter Reaction

Thursday marked the opening day of the 2017 NCAA Softball World Series. After going through regionals and super regionals, there are eight teams left standing in the double-elimination tournament in Oklahoma City. 

Oklahoma is the defending national champion and is looking to capture its third title in five years. Florida is looking to get back on top after winning consecutive titles in 2014-15. 

2017 NCAA Softball World Series

Game 1: Florida def. Texas A&M, 8-0

Game 2: LSU def. UCLA, 2-1

Game 3: Washington vs. Oregon (7 p.m. ET)

Game 4: Oklahoma vs. Baylor (9:30 p.m. ET)

LSU 2, UCLA 1

LSU has given the SEC its second straight win to start the Softball World Series, knocking off UCLA 2-1 in a tense pitching duel. 

The Tigers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning on back-to-back doubles from Emily Griggs and Sahvanna Jaquish. Those were the team's only extra-base hits, as they were held to four singles the rest of the way. 

LSU starter Allie Walljasper was terrific in the win. The junior tossed a complete game, allowing eight hits and one run, despite not recording a strikeout. 

Walljasper's lone run allowed came on a Brianna Tautalafua groundout in the bottom of the third that tied the score at one. She also made a game-saving stab on a hard liner right back through the box off the bat of Paige Halstead, via NCAA Softball:

With the score tied 1-1 in the top of the fifth inning, LSU took the lead when Halstead was called for interference after blocking Constance Quinn's path on a play at home plate. 

It was an unfortunate way for UCLA to lose the game, despite being the correct call. 

With the victory, LSU advances to the winner's bracket portion of the Softball World Series and will take on SEC rival Florida on Friday. The last time the two teams met, Florida swept a three-game series in 2016. 

Florida 8, Texas A&M 0

Florida kicked off its run in the Softball World Series with an impressive 8-0 victory over SEC rival Texas A&M in a game that was called after five innings due to the mercy rule. 

The Gators scored at least one run in each of their four innings on offense. Aleshia Ocasio put the final nail in the Aggies' coffin with a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth, via NCAA Softball:

The eight runs were more than enough support for Florida starter Kelly Barnhill. The sophomore, who was named USA Softball National College Player of the Year earlier this week, gave up just three hits and had five strikeouts in four innings to lower her season ERA to 0.36. 

Texas A&M is down after Thursday's loss, but there is still hope remaining. The Aggies will get a chance to keep their season alive Saturday in an elimination game.