Sooners Slug Their Way to Super Regionals With 12-1 Win Against Cal – University of Oklahoma

NORMAN – No. 2 Oklahoma (48-7) softball belted four home runs and posted another run-rule win with a 12-1 victory over California (37-21) Sunday, May 18, at Love’s Field.

A crowd of 4,075 watched the Sooners put the finishing touches on the Norman Regional, during which they outscored their three opponents 31-3.

OU now will host Alabama in the Norman Super Regional, with the best-of-three series beginning Friday, May 23 at 4 p.m. CT at Love’s Field. The series opener will be broadcast on ESPN2. Game two is set for Saturday, May 24 at 2 p.m. CT, with broadcast information to be announced.

“I’ve said to you that this team hasn’t peaked,” head coach Patty Gasso said. “I’m starting to feel something right now and it’s pretty exciting. I could not be more pleased right now that this team is starting to hit on all their cylinders.”

The Sooners’ powerful display at the plate was topped by a tape-measure blast to right field from designated player Ella Parker, whose solo shot traveled 285 feet with an exit velocity of 81 mph and 33 degrees of loft.

“Probably one of the longest bombs I’ve seen here, for sure,” Gasso said.

Parker admitted she was surprised at what she had just done. “It was definitely a shock,” Parker said. “I think the first words out of my mouth were, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever hit a ball that far.’ It was the genuine feeling of shock.”

After a Nelly McEnroe-Marinas single to left, Ailana Agbayani added a towering 3-run homer to right to make the score 4-0 in the second inning.

“She has got a different focus right now,” Gasso said of Agbayani, whom she nearly asked to bunt in the at-bat. “I think you’re looking at a very hot postseason hitter here. I didn’t want to take the bat out of her hand. I wanted to see what she would do with it.”

Agbayani smiled and said, “All of us are just completely free (at the plate) because we’re so confident in each other to get the job done.”

In the fourth, OU set a season high for runs scored in an inning with seven.

Freshman shortstop Gabbie Garcia, who homered in the Sooners’ 11-2 triumph over the Bears on Saturday, started the scoring in the second inning with a solo shot to center.

Sophomore left fielder Kasidi Pickering stroked a 3-run homer to left to make the score 8-1.

Parker’s towering bomb made it 9-1. Later that same inning, she nearly added a grand slam with a fly-out at the warning track for the final out.

Pinch-hitter Corri Hicks blooped a bases-loaded single to left to make it 11-1 and Hannah Coor hit a sacrifice fly up against the left-field wall to set the final margin.

The Sooners collected 14 hits with Pickering, Parker, Garcia, McEnroe-Marinas and Agbayani collecting two each.

While the Bears used five different pitchers, OU seniors Sam Landry (22-4) and Isabella Smith and junior Paytn Monticelli combined for a two-hitter.

“I’m really pleased with the pitching staff,” Gasso said of the group that allowed just two earned runs over the three games.

The University of Oklahoma softball team demonstrated their formidable power and offensive prowess as they slugged their way into the NCAA Super Regionals with a commanding 12-1 victory over California. This decisive win not only showcased the Sooners’ offensive firepower but also underscored their status as one of the premier programs in college softball. Played in front of a passionate home crowd at the OU Softball Stadium, the game was a display of skill, strategy, and relentless determination that left little doubt about Oklahoma’s postseason ambitions.

From the outset, the Sooners set the tone for the game with aggressive batting and strategic base running. Oklahoma’s lineup, known for its deep and talented roster, came out swinging, putting pressure on Cal’s pitchers early. The team’s offensive explosion was highlighted by multiple home runs, clutch hits with runners in scoring position, and disciplined plate appearances that kept the Golden Bears on their heels. The offensive onslaught was complemented by solid defense and effective pitching, which together formed a comprehensive team effort.

The game’s early innings saw Oklahoma quickly establish dominance. Their first few at-bats produced runs, thanks to timely hits and aggressive baserunning. The Sooners’ lineup, featuring some of the nation’s top hitters, demonstrated their ability to adapt to different pitching styles and capitalize on mistakes. The team’s patience at the plate paid off, drawing walks and forcing Cal’s pitchers into unfavorable counts, setting the stage for big offensive plays.

Perhaps the most exhilarating moment for Oklahoma fans was the power display. The team’s sluggers launched multiple home runs, including a memorable three-run shot that extended their lead and energized the crowd. These long balls not only increased the team’s lead but also exemplified Oklahoma’s reputation for explosive offense. The hitters showed patience and discipline, waiting for pitches they could handle and driving them deep into the outfield.

Beyond the home runs, Oklahoma’s offensive success was also rooted in their ability to manufacture runs through smart base running and situational hitting. The team executed stolen bases, hit-and-runs, and squeeze plays with precision, keeping Cal’s defense off balance. The Sooners’ offensive approach emphasized aggressive yet disciplined play, and it paid dividends throughout the game.

On the mound, Oklahoma’s pitcher maintained pressure on Cal’s batters, mixing speeds and locations effectively. Her ability to keep the Golden Bears’ hitters off balance was crucial in limiting their scoring opportunities. The defense behind her was also sharp, turning routine plays into outs and preventing any rallies from gaining momentum. This combination of strong pitching and reliable defense allowed Oklahoma to maintain control of the game from start to finish.

The Golden Bears, despite their efforts, struggled to find consistency against Oklahoma’s potent lineup. Cal’s pitchers faced mounting adversity as they tried to navigate Oklahoma’s powerful hitters, often falling behind in the count. The team’s defense, while resilient, was ultimately overwhelmed by the offensive barrage, resulting in multiple runs scored and a wide margin of victory.

This win marks a significant milestone for Oklahoma as they advance to the Super Regionals, a stage where they will face some of the nation’s top teams in their quest for a national championship. Their performance in this game reaffirmed their reputation as a team capable of both explosive offense and disciplined defense, qualities that have become hallmarks of the program under head coach Patty Gasso.

The victory also underscored the depth and talent of Oklahoma’s roster. With multiple players contributing both offensively and defensively, the team demonstrated its versatility and resilience. The coaching staff’s strategic decisions, including timely substitutions and pitch selections, played a key role in maintaining momentum and ensuring the team’s success.

For the fans in attendance, the game was a thrilling display of college softball at its best. The electric atmosphere inside the stadium was a testament to the team’s popularity and the sport’s growing stature. The fans’ cheers and chants fueled the players’ energy, creating an environment that was both intense and inspiring.

Looking ahead, Oklahoma’s focus is now on preparing for the Super Regionals, where they will face a formidable opponent with the aim of securing a spot in the Women’s College World Series. The team’s offensive performance in this game provides confidence that they can continue to produce runs against tough competition. Meanwhile, their pitching staff, which demonstrated composure and skill in this game, will be crucial in facing elite lineups.

This game also highlighted the importance of team chemistry and mental toughness. Oklahoma’s players showed resilience and focus, maintaining their intensity throughout the game and capitalizing on every opportunity. Their ability to stay composed under pressure will be vital as they advance deeper into the postseason.

In summary, Oklahoma’s 12-1 victory over California was a showcase of offensive power, strategic execution, and team resilience. It reaffirmed their status as a national powerhouse and set the stage for an exciting run in the NCAA tournament. As they prepare for the Super Regionals, the team will carry forward the confidence and momentum from this commanding win, aiming to continue their quest for another national championship. For Oklahoma fans and college softball enthusiasts alike, this game was a reminder of the talent, passion, and excitement that make college softball a thrilling and beloved sport.