Category: Oklahoma Sooners

A pair of Oklahoma softball players were named co-players of the week in the SEC.

Sophomore Ella Parker was named SEC Co-Player of the Week and senior Sam Landry was selected as SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week for their performances over the weekend in helping the No. 3 Sooners improve to 10-0 on the season with a pair of victories each over Baylor and Hofstra in the Getterman Classic hosted by Baylor.

Parker hit safely in all four of OU’s games over the weekend, going 9-12 with nine runs, six runs batted in, a pair of home runs and three walks. She homered twice in an 8-0 run-rule win over Hofstra on Saturday.

Parker leads the SEC while batting .647 through 10 games and also leads the conference with 22 hits and seven doubles. She has hit safely in all 10 of Oklahoma’s games and scored at least once in nine of them.

Landry, a senior transfer from Louisiana, mowed down Baylor, pitching a perfect game in an 8-0 win over the No. 23 Bears on Sunday. The left-hander faced the minimum 15 hitters, allowing no runs, no hits and striking out eight. She also retired the one batter she faced in closing out a 9-1 win over the same Baylor team the day before.

Landry threw 61 total pitches over her two weekend appearances. Forty-two of her 56 pitches in Sunday’s perfect game were strikes. The OU newcomer and former All-Sun Belt First-Team selection is 2-0 in five appearances this season with a 1.72 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

Parker shared SEC Player of the Week honors with Arkansas infielder Bri Ellis. Texas sophomore Teagan Kavan was the dual honoree along with OU’s Landry as SEC Pitcher of the Week.

It is Parker’s second weekly selection in as many weeks and Landry’s first as an Oklahoma Sooner. She was a seven-time pitcher of the week honoree at Louisiana, though, before transferring to Oklahoma.

No. 3 Oklahoma beat No. 23 Baylor 8-0 on Sunday at the Getterman Classic powered by a decisive pitching performance from senior right-handed pitcher Sam Landry, who threw a perfect game in five innings.

The Sooners (10-0) took control early against the Bears (6-4), scoring three runs in the first inning and adding five more across the third and fifth frames.

Here are takeaways and highlights from the game:

Landry led Oklahoma’s pitching staff with a dominant outing, retiring all 15 batters she faced. She struck out eight and kept Baylor off balance throughout, efficiently working through five innings on just 56 pitches.

The performance marked Oklahoma’s second perfect game of the season and 23rd of the program, following Isabella Smith’s five-inning effort against Cal Baptist on Feb. 7. With the win, Landry improved to 2-0 on the season.

True freshman infielder Sydney Barker continued her productive weekend at the plate. After hitting two home runs against Baylor on Saturday, she contributed early on Sunday with a two-run double in the first inning.

Oklahoma’s offense capitalized quickly in the opening frame. Sophomore utility player Ella Parker reached on an infield single, senior infielder Cydney Sanders followed with a base hit, and sophomore outfielder Kasidi Pickering drew a walk to load the bases. Redshirt freshman infielder Nelly McEnroe-Marinas delivered a two-out RBI single, and Barker followed with a double to right center, scoring two more to give OU a 3-0 lead.

Barker now has 14 RBIs through the first 10 games of the season, emerging as a key contributor in the Sooners’ lineup.

Junior infielder Ailana Agbayani added to OU’s offensive production with a three-run home run in the third inning, her first of the season. With McEnroe-Marinas and Pickering on base, the BYU transfer drove a pitch over the left-field wall to extend the Sooners’ lead to 6-0.

Oklahoma secured the run-rule win in the fifth inning. Sanders led off with a walk, and Pickering doubled down the left-field line to bring her home. McEnroe-Marinas then added an RBI single through the left side, sealing the 8-0 victory.

OU finished with 10 hits, with McEnroe-Marinas, Pickering and Sanders leading the effort. The Sooners have now won five games by run-rule this season and improved to 78-14 all-time against Baylor.

Oklahoma returns home for the Norman Tournament at Love’s Field, where they will play Abilene Christian at 1:30 p.m. Thursday and again at 4 p.m. Friday. They will also face Wichita State at 4 p.m. Thursday, Bowling Green at 4 p.m. Saturday, and Tulsa at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

NORMAN — Due to expected inclement weather this week, Oklahoma Softball has announced an altered schedule for its home tournament that was originally set to run from Thursday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 23.

The 10-game tournament will now be split between Marita Hynes Field and Love’s Field from Saturday, Feb. 22 through Monday, Feb. 24. Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the first pitch of the first game each day at both locations.

The updated schedule for both Oklahoma games and all neutral site games is as follows:

Saturday, Feb. 22
Wichita State vs. Bowling Green – Noon (Marita Hynes Field)
Abilene Christian vs. Oklahoma – Noon (Love’s Field)
Tulsa vs. Abilene Christian – 2:30 p.m. (Marita Hynes Field)
Bowling Green vs. Oklahoma – 2:30 p.m. (Love’s Field)

Sunday, Feb. 23
Bowling Green vs. Tulsa – 11 a.m. (Marita Hynes Field)
Wichita State vs. Oklahoma – 11 a.m. (Love’s Field)
Tulsa vs. Oklahoma – 1:30 p.m. (Love’s Field)
Abilene Christian vs. Wichita State – 1:30 p.m. (Marita Hynes Field)

Monday, Feb. 24
Abilene Christian vs. Wichita State – 11 a.m. (Love’s Field)
Abilene Christian vs. Oklahoma – 1:30 p.m. (Love’s Field)

All five of the games involving Oklahoma will be streamed on SEC Network+ and air on radio via 1560 AM The Franchise.

FULLERTON, Calif. — It can get pretty boring doing the same thing over and over again.

That’s pretty much the routine for Patty Gasso. For the Oklahoma softball coach, all she does is field a team that constantly wins. Over and over again.

But is she getting tired of it?

“Uh, no,” Gasso said with a laugh.

Cementing herself among the greatest coaches in sports, Gasso has guided the Sooners to the pinnacle of the softball world. She has eight national championships – seven of which have come in the last 11 seasons. – The Sooners are coming off their fourth consecutive title – unprecedented in the sport.

Even with all of the success, the quest for a fifth-straight championship might be the Oklahoma’s most difficult challenge yet. But early indications show the Sooners won’t go down easy and are ready to add some more hardware to the trophy case.

It’s difficult to win one championship, let alone four in a row. But surprisingly, it’s happened 13 other times in NCAA history across all divisions and sports. The fifth straight is where the crowd shrinks. Five consecutive titles has happened five times, last in 2011-15 from the mighty North Dakota State football team in FCS.

If Oklahoma wants to join another prestigious list, Gasso will have to mostly lean on players that haven’t tasted championship glory.

A major reason why Oklahoma won four in a row was the “Core Five,” a superstar 2024 graduating class that knew nothing but ending the season on top of the softball world. They compiled an astounding record of 235-15 during their time in Norman.

That core is now gone, and the roster is composed of three players that regularly went to bat last season, two returning pitchers and 14 newcomers.

“I’ve had such a savvy group of players the last four years that really were elite athletes, and so we’re really working, teaching, finding different ways to win with a different set of skills,” Gasso told USA TODAY Sports.

Of course, Gasso brought some potential stars to fill the holes. Highly ranked recruits that made up one of the top recruiting classes in the country and transfer portal hauls now make up the majority of the roster.

It may be a lot for a freshman or inexperienced player to be thrusted into the role, but Gasso said it wasn’t hard for her newcomers to understand the standard. In fact, she feels like they’ve probably taken it a little too seriously, causing some unwarranted pressure. It’s been about trying to take that mental hurdle out of their minds and get them into the same routine that’s worked for four years.

“We always have the same expectations,” Gasso said. “We work every team the same way. Every day of practice, it’s fast, it’s hard, it’s hustling, it’s blue collar. That’s really been our mantra since I’ve been there, and it’s not gonna change.”

What hasn’t changed either so far in 2025 is the winning. The Sooners opened up the campaign with a trip around Southern California, starting in San Diego and then to Fullerton, Los Angeles and Long Beach for six games in four days. It wasn’t against high-caliber teams, but it was a trip with plenty of time in traffic with short turnarounds.

“I want them to feel these challenges, because this is what it really feels like when you get to the end of the season,” Gasso said.

Despite all the moving around, the trip was a success – a 6-0 record with plenty of highlights from those newcomers. Isabella Smith, a senior transfer from Campbell, threw a perfect five innings against California Baptist, and freshman Gabbie Garcia hit a grand slam in an offensive onslaught against Cal State Fullerton.

There was success, but it didn’t come without some challenges. The Sooners were pushed to extra innings against San Diego State and Long Beach State, and Gasso felt in other games her team left too many people on the bases, showing signs this team isn’t exactly national championship-looking yet.

“There’s just so much more that we have to learn and figure out, but they’re catching on,” Gasso said.

There will be plenty of opportunities for Oklahoma to fine tune things in the first month of the season. It only has one ranked opponent, Baylor, before it enters what Gasso calls the “gauntlet” of the SEC. Oklahoma did have worthy challengers in the Big 12, but it now joins conference that has 10 other teams in the top 25, including top-ranked Texas and No. 2 Florida – teams it will face at the end of the regular season.

Gasso knows the challenge they will be navigating in the SEC, and that’s why she wants the start of this season to be focused on getting the team’s body and mindset ready for the task.

“It’s going to be very tough. Even at home, it’s going to be tough,” she said. “We’re trying to get our girls here to turn into women before we get into the SEC.”

By the time we get to the NCAA Tournament, the Sooners may not have a dominating record or be one of the top four national seeds. It’s not the same ol’ Oklahoma, and that’s perfectly fine with Gasso. She’s having fun and insists she’s having a good time working with this group.

It’ll be an even better time if this team is hoisting a fifth consecutive trophy in Oklahoma City.

Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton instantly began to smile when asked about the emotions other teams will display when they face Oklahoma this season.

Following their fourth consecutive national championship, the Sooners lost 13 players in the offseason — 10 seniors and three additional players to the transfer portal. Throughout the years, OU had used their emotions to their advantage — celebrating walks, diving plays and taking the extra base.

With the massive losses throughout the program, it forced head coach Patty Gasso to get creative in building the 2025 team. In total, Gasso brought in eight true freshmen and five players from the transfer portal.

“I’m ready, …” Dayton, a transfer from Utah, said during Tuesday’s newcomer availability. “I’m really excited to see how teams compete against us, and I’m ready to destroy.”

The eight freshmen are tied for the most true freshmen OU has brought in since 2020, a group that featured Kinzie Hansen and Rylie Boone. OU’s 2024 class is ranked No. 3 class in the country, according to On3. In the portal, Gasso leaned towards players with experience, with all five players being at least a junior.

Rather than big power hitters, Gasso recruited contact hitters with speed and versatility from the portal and found that with Dayton and BYU transfer Ailana Agbayani. In Dayton’s sophomore season at Utah, she had a .431 batting average with 10 doubles, six triples and just two home runs. Agbayani posted a 14.4 percent walk rate while also striking out just seven times in 2-8 plate appearances last season. She also made 15 appearances on the mound for the Cougars.

The massive standards set at OU intrigued players such as Agbayani to want to come play for Gasso and Oklahoma.

Agbayani remembers playing at Love’s Field last season, being awed by the crowd, and was sold on Gasso’s competitive edge as the reason she committed to the Sooners.

“I would say what really sold me was definitely her mindset in competing,” Agbayani said. “You don’t have to be perfect, but if you compete, then I like that mindset.”

On the mound, Gasso brought in senior Sam Landry and redshirt senior Isabella Smith out of the portal from Louisiana and Campbell, respectively.

In her junior season, Landry ranked top 10 in the country in wins, and tossed six complete game shutouts in 28 starts. Smith was named the Coastal Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year in 2024 and struck out 238 batters over 206 innings.

So far, their experiences with associate head coach and pitching coach Jennifer Rocha have opened their eyes and given them renewed confidence as pitchers.

“She speaks with so much confidence, …” Landry said. “I think working with her is amazing mentally and physically, learning the game and learning new aspects of it.”

Landry and Smith join a pitching staff losing 37 wins from Nicole May and Kelly Maxwell but is headlined by junior Kierston Deal, who posted a 1.97 earned run average in 25 games last season and true freshman Audrey Lowry.

While a program with the amount of continued success and traditions as Oklahoma may be daunting to many players, the 2025 team is focused on playing their own game and not worrying about the outside noise.

Freshmen and Oklahoma natives like Chaney Helton and Kadey Lee McKay know the standards of the program and will do whatever it takes to give the Sooners their ninth championship and fifth in a row.

“I think we all bring great aspects to this program,” Helton said. “We’re going to go out there and do our thing, show who we are (and) set a new bar.”

“I think it’s time to show them what we can do no matter the outcome,” McKay said. “If we win one, we win another one.”

Jordy Bahl, a standout player for the Oklahoma Sooners softball team, has recently expressed how deeply meaningful it is to play for her dream team. In a heartfelt message, Bahl revealed that playing for Oklahoma has been a career dream come true. “Being here is a career dream come true, so I won’t take a second of it for granted,” she said, highlighting how significant her journey has been.

Bahl’s passion for the game and her love for the Sooners have been evident since she first joined the team. Known for her exceptional pitching skills, Bahl has already made a name for herself as one of the top softball players in the nation. Her performance on the mound has been critical to the Sooners’ success, including their remarkable dominance in NCAA softball.

Growing up, Bahl always envisioned herself competing at the highest level, and now, as part of the Oklahoma program, she feels that her hard work has paid off. The opportunity to play for such a prestigious and competitive team is a dream realized, and her dedication to the sport is reflected in her performances on the field. Her statement serves as a testament to her commitment and love for the game, which has guided her to this point.

As Bahl continues to thrive with Oklahoma, she has become an inspiration to many young athletes, showing that with determination and a clear focus, dreams truly can become a reality. For now, she remains focused on helping the Sooners achieve even greater success in the upcoming seasons.

Parker brought home her first honor as a member of the Southeastern Conference with her dazzling debut during the Sooners’ opening trip to California.

NORMAN — Oklahoma sophomore Ella Parker was named Southeastern Conference Softball Co-Player of the Week as announced Monday by the league office.

The weekly honor is the first of Parker’s career and the first SEC Player of the Week honor in OU softball history. Parker was selected alongside Auburn’s Nelia Peralta.

Parker helped the Sooners go 6-0 during their trip to California, hitting .591 (13-for-22), with 10 runs, five doubles, one home run, eight RBIs, three walks and three stolen bases. Her home run came in a return to her hometown as she clubbed a solo shot to center at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles.

The left-handed hitter made starts at both corner outfield positions as well as at designated player, converting on all nine of her chances with the glove.

Parker scored twice in five games, tallying a .955 slugging percentage and a .679 on-base percentage. She doubled twice in the season opener against Cal State Northridge, while also driving in three. Sunday at Long Beach State she added an insurance run with an RBI single in the top of the 11th inning.

She is tied with Ashley Giampolo of Siena for the most doubles in the nation (five), while her 13 hits are tied with Grand Canyon’s Savanna Groshong-Kirk for the most in the country.

Patty Gasso, the esteemed head coach of the University of Oklahoma’s softball team, was found safe following a period of uncertainty that left fans and the sports community in distress. Earlier today, it was reported that Coach Gasso had been missing for several hours, sparking widespread concern among her colleagues, players, and supporters. Authorities quickly launched a search, working with local law enforcement to locate the coach.

The investigation was swift, with police confirming that Gasso was located at a private residence in Norman, Oklahoma, and was in good health, though understandably shaken by the experience. Sources have indicated that the situation was not related to any criminal activity, and Gasso has expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and concern shown by the community during this challenging time.

Patty Gasso, 58, is widely regarded as one of the most successful and respected coaches in college softball history, having led the Oklahoma Sooners to multiple NCAA championships and numerous accolades. Her leadership and dedication to the sport have made her a beloved figure in collegiate athletics, both for her on-field success and her positive influence on young athletes.

While the full details of the incident remain unclear, Coach Gasso has reportedly requested privacy as she recovers from the distressing events. University officials are expected to hold a press conference later this week to provide further details, but for now, the priority remains ensuring Coach Gasso’s well-being.

The news of her safe return is being met with widespread relief, as fans and colleagues eagerly await her return to the field.

Jordy Bahl, the highly talented pitcher for the University of Oklahoma softball team, has publicly acknowledged her involvement in what she described as a “terrible deal.” The news sent shockwaves through the sports community, particularly among OU softball fans who had been following her meteoric rise in the sport.

Bahl, who was known for her exceptional skills on the mound, had been a key figure in Oklahoma’s dominance in collegiate softball, helping lead the team to multiple national championships. However, she recently revealed that she had been involved in a complex and problematic agreement that negatively impacted her career and personal life.

Details surrounding the deal remain sparse, but Bahl hinted at being misled by certain parties in the process. “It was a decision I regret,” Bahl shared in a heartfelt statement. “I was young, eager, and made a choice that didn’t align with my values. It’s been a tough lesson, but I’m committed to moving forward and learning from this experience.”

While the specifics of the deal have yet to be fully disclosed, Bahl’s admission marks a significant moment in her career. She emphasized that the experience has been both a personal and professional challenge, but also one that she plans to grow from. The support from her teammates, family, and fans has been unwavering, as many rally behind the star as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life.

As the situation continues to develop, it’s clear that Bahl remains determined to reclaim her place among the elite in collegiate softball. Her resilience and commitment to growth are qualities that will undoubtedly shape her future both on and off the field.

NORMAN — A major piece of Oklahoma’s 2026 team is going to get a head start this year.

Pitcher Sophia Bordi, who was planning to debut next year, arrived a year early.

The highly-touted right-handed pitcher reclassified this winter and enrolled in Norman to link up with Patty Gasso’s team.

“Sophia brings a lot to the table,” Gasso said when Bordi signed last November. “She is an elite pitcher, having won championships in both high school and travel ball. She is also elite offensively. She brings power from the right side and we expect her to be an integral part of our program. I’m very excited about Sophia’s future as a Sooner.”

And while the plan is for her to redshirt in 2025, Gasso is ecstatic about the experience she’s in line to gain this season.

“If we had an emergency, break the glass, bring in Sophia. That’s the only way we would ever do it,” Gasso said on Saturday. “I do want to maintain her redshirt unless we absolutely need her. But I think it’s great. I’m really excited about what her (progress). She’s going to be so ahead of her normal class that’s coming in next year. Think she could lead them, guide them with her experience as well.”

Graduating early to join the program a semester early is the norm in college football.

Porter Moser’s Oklahoma basketball team is currently enjoying the play from Jeremiah Fears, who reclassified to get to college a year early on the hardwood.

But speeding up the process a year is far from typical in softball.

Bordi’s situation wasn’t something Gasso had planned for, but it fell into place due to unique circumstances.

“She did graduate actually in I think June, a year in advance,” Gasso said. “I didn’t even know it. I’m not normally looking for that. She told me that she was gonna go in the spring and live in California and train with her travel ball team and get a job. And I’m like, ‘What if we could get you in here?’”