Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Ali Gardiner was in a prolonged slump, her team was in a tough spot and she hadn't been on the best terms with her father lately.
All in one swing, all her worries were gone.
Gardiner hit the first walk-off grand slam in Women's College World Series history, lifting top-seeded Florida into the championship round with a 6-5 victory against Alabama on Sunday.
It was enough to make her father cry.
"His dream was always to see me in a Gator uniform, and I was here and I was able to push our team to where we wanted to go," Gardiner said, tearing up herself. "It means a lot. To see my dad, who doesn't show much emotion -- and the last few days we haven't talked much -- it meant a lot to me."
The Gators (63-3) will face third-seeded Washington in the best-of-three championship series beginning Monday night. The Huskies beat Georgia 6-3 Sunday night.
Gardiner sent a 2-1 pitch from Alabama ace Kelsi Dunne the opposite way, clearing the left-field fence as Whitney Larsen fell over the top as she tried to make the catch.
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