Sam Landry Nearly No-Hits LSU in OU Softball’s SEC Tournament Opener: A Dominant Performance Fueled by Cydney Sanders’ Heroics

In what could be described as a stunning display of pitching and clutch performances, the University of Oklahoma (OU) softball team opened the 2025 SEC Tournament with a dominating 6-0 victory over LSU, thanks in large part to the near no-hit performance by pitcher Sam Landry and a crucial offensive spark from Cydney Sanders. This game marked not only a standout individual performance by Landry but also a reminder of why the OU softball program continues to be a dominant force in the world of college softball.

For Landry, the matchup against LSU was more than just another opportunity to show off her elite pitching talent. It was a return to familiar territory. As a former LSU pitcher herself before transferring to Oklahoma, the game was filled with extra meaning. Landry had a point to prove, and she did so in the most spectacular way possible—nearly no-hitting her former team.

Meanwhile, the Sooners’ offense wasn’t silent. Cydney Sanders, who has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable hitters in clutch situations, delivered a key hit to ensure the win. Together, Landry’s near no-hitter and Sanders’ timely contributions powered OU to a dominant victory, solidifying their reputation as one of the top teams in the nation heading into the tournament’s later rounds.

Sam Landry’s Near No-Hit Performance: A Pitcher’s Dream

From the moment Landry took the mound, it was clear she was locked in. The LSU Tigers, known for their aggressive offense, were no match for the intense velocity and pinpoint control Landry displayed. Throughout the game, the LSU batters seemed to have no answer for her devastating curveball and change-up, both of which kept them off balance and unable to make solid contact.

By the middle innings, Landry had already retired 12 consecutive batters, the remnants of her former team falling victim to her masterful pitching. The Tigers’ hitters—many of whom had faced Landry during her time at LSU—were visibly frustrated as she repeatedly struck them out and kept them off base. Her ability to generate swings and misses, as well as her composure in critical situations, had the Sooners and their fans buzzing with excitement.

In the fifth inning, however, the no-hitter nearly came to an end. LSU’s designated player, a key hitter in their lineup, managed to line a ball to shallow left field, just beyond the reach of Oklahoma’s infield. But Jordyn Bahl, OU’s left fielder, made a diving catch to keep the no-hit bid alive. The crowd erupted in cheers, as Bahl’s athleticism kept Landry’s historic effort intact.

Landry’s pitch count continued to stay efficient, and her ability to work both sides of the plate and change speeds kept LSU on its heels. Her poise in handling the pressure of nearly completing a no-hitter in the SEC Tournament opener demonstrated just how much growth Landry has experienced since transferring to OU.

While LSU managed to get a few scattered base runners in the later innings, none of them were able to threaten the scoreboard, and Landry was able to complete 7 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out 10 LSU batters. Her near no-hit performance is one of the most impressive individual pitching performances in recent memory, and it showed why she is one of the most feared pitchers in college softball today.

Cydney Sanders: Heroic at the Plate

While Sam Landry stole much of the spotlight with her near-no-hitter, the Sooners’ Cydney Sanders played a critical role in ensuring the victory. Sanders, a powerful hitter and an excellent defender, has quickly become one of OU’s most valuable players since her arrival. In this game, her timely hitting helped put the game out of reach.

In the second inning, with the score still tied 0-0, Sanders stepped to the plate with a runner on third. LSU’s pitcher was having trouble keeping the ball in the strike zone, but Sanders remained calm and waited for her pitch. When she got a fastball in her sweet spot, she didn’t hesitate. Sanders launched the ball deep into left-center field, driving in the game’s first run with an RBI double. Her ability to stay patient at the plate and capitalize on LSU’s pitching mistakes set the tone for the rest of the game.

In the fourth inning, with OU still holding a 1-0 lead, Sanders came to the plate with two outs and runners on second and third. This time, LSU’s pitcher was able to get ahead in the count, but Sanders dug in. With a full count, she fouled off several tough pitches before finally working a walk to load the bases. It was a textbook example of Sanders’ ability to remain patient and fight through tough at-bats. The walk proved to be pivotal as it set the stage for a three-run rally by the Sooners.

The game was effectively put out of LSU’s reach in the fifth inning, when Sanders made yet another key contribution. With the Sooners up 5-0, she delivered an RBI single to center field, adding an extra insurance run to the scoreboard. Her ability to come through in clutch moments was a significant factor in the outcome, and her performance solidified her as a key player for OU in the tournament.

OU’s Defense: Support Behind Landry’s Dominant Performance

While Sam Landry’s pitching performance certainly garnered the headlines, the defense behind her was equally as impressive. Grace Lyons, Tiare Jennings, and Aaliyah Jordan played flawless defense, turning double plays and making difficult plays look routine. Their work in the field helped Landry keep her pitch count low, which allowed her to stay in the game longer and maintain her dominance.

In the sixth inning, LSU made one final push to break up the shutout, but OU’s defense stood strong. A sharp ground ball was hit to second base, where Tiare Jennings scooped it up and fired to first base for the out. The play was part of a series of key defensive stops that allowed the Sooners to maintain control of the game.

Landry herself also played a crucial role in the field, making several quick and decisive plays. Her confidence in her defense was evident throughout the game, as she calmly handled soft grounders and made accurate throws to keep LSU from building any momentum.

Looking Ahead: OU Softball’s Path in the SEC Tournament

With their 6-0 win over LSU, the Sooners have positioned themselves as one of the favorites to claim the 2025 SEC Tournament title. Landry’s near no-hitter, coupled with Sanders’ timely contributions at the plate, make OU one of the most complete teams in the country.

The win also provides a huge confidence boost as the Sooners prepare for the next round of the tournament. With a balanced offensive attack, elite pitching, and stellar defense, OU looks like a team that could make a deep run in both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

For Landry, the SEC Tournament opener was the perfect showcase of her skill and determination. After transferring from LSU, she has become a pivotal piece of the Sooners’ pitching staff, and her performance in this game solidifies her as one of the top pitchers in the country. For Sanders, her ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver in key moments will continue to be an asset for the team as the tournament progresses.

In what was a thrilling and dominant performance, Sam Landry nearly no-hit LSU in the OU softball team’s SEC Tournament opener, while Cydney Sanders continued her reputation as a clutch performer at the plate. The Sooners’ 6-0 victory is a testament to their well-rounded team, blending dominant pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense.

As Oklahoma prepares for the rest of the tournament, the performance against LSU serves as a reminder of their potential to win at the highest level. With Landry and Sanders leading the way, OU softball is primed for even more success in the coming weeks. If the Sooners can maintain this level of play, they will be a team to watch as they chase a national championship.

The 2025 SEC Tournament has begun with a bang for Oklahoma, and with players like Landry and Sanders leading the charge, the sky’s the limit for this talented group of athletes.