The Carolina Blaze decisively ended the Oklahoma City Spark’s hopes of reaching the 2026 AUSL playoffs with a commanding 11-1 victory. Originally scheduled to conclude on Monday night at Smith Family Stadium, the final regular-season game was delayed by weather, pushing its completion to Mardi morning.
Carolina Blaze Roster Explodes Early in AUSL Season Finale
The Blaze wasted no time asserting dominance, erupting for eight runs in the very first inning. Valerie Cagle electrified the crowd with a three-run homer to right field, while Reese Atwood contributed a four-RBI performance through a single and a bases-loaded double. Impressively, 13 Carolina hitters came to the plate before the inning closed, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
By the second inning, the Blaze expanded their lead to 11-0. Aubrey Leach’s triple into the gap drove in three additional runs, effectively sealing the game long before its conclusion.
Oklahoma City’s lone spark came in the fifth inning when Maya Brady hit a solo home run. This blast marked Brady’s 11th of the season, establishing a new AUSL single-season record. Despite this milestone, it was not enough to overcome the Blaze’s overwhelming offense, and the Spark’s inaugural season came to a disappointing close.
What’s Next for the AUSL Playoffs?
Finishing with a 13-12 record, the Spark fell just one game short of the Portland Cascade, who claimed the final playoff spot. With the postseason image now clearer, attention shifts to the remaining AUSL contenders preparing for the playoffs and the battles ahead.