Who is Kaley Mudge? FSU softball star, Women's College World Series record holder looking to spark Seminoles offense

Oklahoma's team may have starred outright during the first game of the 2023 Women's College World Series, but Florida State's Kaley Mudge made one of the biggest plays of the night.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Oklahoma was up 5-0 and threatening to score again when Haley Lee stepped to the plate. There were runners on first and second, so Lee could have ended the game via the mercy rule if she hit a home run.

For a moment, it looked like she had done it. However, Mudge reached over the left field wall to catch the ball for the second out of the inning.

Below is a look at the spectacular play via the NCAA's softball Twitter.

KALEY MUDGE, ARE YOU KIDDING?! 🤯 @mudge03#WCWS #SCtop10 x 🎥 ESPN / @FSU_Softball pic.twitter.com/rofO1Nn0HN

— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 8, 2023

That play didn't ultimately change the outcome of the contest — a 5-0 loss for FSU — but Mudge gave the team a chance to stay alive during the final frame. Her ability to make big, game-changing plays is nothing new to those familiar with her career at FSU.

MORE: Recap, highlights as Oklahoma blanks FSU in Game 1 of WCWS

Here's what to know about Mudge as she tries to help this will FSU to win the Women's College World Series.

Who is Kaley Mudge?

Mudge is an experienced senior who has been a two-and-a-half-year starter in the outfield for Florida State. She has been one of the squad's best hitters during her senior season and has batted lead-off for the team during the Women's College World Series.

Mudge is a Florida native and attended Winter Springs High School in Seminole County. She was an All-State first-teamer during her final season, and that star power has carried over to the college ranks.

Mudge has earned All-ACC nods over the last two seasons, making the first team in 2022 and the second team in 2023. She has posted a career slash line of 342/.400/.494 and has 80 steals to her name.

In 2023, Mudge slashed .346/.407/.531 with five homers, 43 RBI, 21 walks and 19 steals, all of which were career highs.

While Mudge has performed well during the regular season, she has particularly shined during the postseason. She is one of the best WCWS performers of all time, and that is largely thanks to the success she enjoyed at the event in 2021.

MORE: What to know about FSU catcher Michaela Edenfield's unique makeup

Kaley Mudge's record at WCWS

Mudge had arguably the greatest single-player performance at a WCWS during Florida State's run to the championship series in 2021. She recorded a whopping 14 hits during the WCWS bracket, good for the most ever by a player during a single WCWS.

This record-breaking performance by Mudge included a game against Alabama during which she recorded five hits in a seven-inning contest. No other player in NCAA history has achieved that feat.

This year at the WCWS, Mudge hasn't quite repeated her success, going three of 11 in her first three games at the event. Her best outing came against Tennessee, during which she went 2 for 3 with three RBI and a home run.

But as FSU fights for its playoff life, Mudge needs to put together a game similar to the one she had against Alabama in 2021.

MORE: How Oklahoma's winning streak compares to other historic runs

Kaley Mudge stats

It is evident when looking at Mudge's stats that she has improved in each of her four seasons with the Seminoles.

Below is a look at her performance from year to year in each of her four college seasons.

Mudge went 0-for-3 in her first meeting with Oklahoma during the WCWS. If she can hit better in Game 2, she could provide Florida State with the spark they need to make a series of their difficult matchup with the two-time defending champs.