Why OU softball is more prepared for Alabama this time around in NCAA super regionals

When the Oklahoma Sooners face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the NCAA Super Regionals, the stakes are as high as ever. A trip to the Women’s College World Series is on the line, and this year’s matchup features a level of familiarity—and resolve—that adds extra fuel to the fire.

In 2021, Alabama ended Oklahoma’s 40-game win streak in a stunning 4-3 upset in the regular season, and while the Sooners went on to win the national title that year, the sting of that loss lingered. Fast forward to 2024, and the Crimson Tide nearly did it again—pushing OU to the brink in a tightly contested Super Regional that ended in a dramatic Game 3 win for the Sooners. This time around, however, Oklahoma enters with a chip on its shoulder, an upgraded roster, and a coaching staff laser-focused on exploiting Alabama’s weaknesses.

Here’s why the Sooners are more prepared than ever to take on Alabama in the 2025 NCAA Super Regionals—and why fans should buckle up for another unforgettable showdown.

1. Battle-Tested Veterans and Elite Leadership

This Oklahoma squad is stacked with experience. Led by upperclassmen like senior shortstop Tiare Jennings and catcher Kinzie Hansen, the Sooners boast a core group of players who have played—and won—on college softball’s biggest stages.

Jennings, a three-time All-American, anchors the infield with both defensive brilliance and clutch hitting. Hansen, widely considered one of the best defensive catchers in the nation, provides stability behind the plate and handles a deep, talented pitching staff with poise. Their leadership extends beyond the field, setting the tone for preparation, discipline, and the urgency required to survive the NCAA Tournament.

“We’ve been here before,” Jennings said after Oklahoma’s Regional win. “But this team isn’t satisfied with past success. We want to make a statement.”

2. Deeper, More Dominant Pitching Rotation

One of the key differences between this year’s team and previous iterations is the sheer depth of Oklahoma’s pitching. While Jordy Bahl’s transfer to Nebraska made headlines, the Sooners didn’t just reload—they evolved.

Sophomore ace Nicole May has elevated her game, featuring a more explosive riseball and improved command. Transfer Paytn Monticelli from Wisconsin has added a new dimension with her hard-throwing arsenal and fearless mentality. Meanwhile, freshman phenom Ava Brown has emerged as a legitimate No. 3 option, giving head coach Patty Gasso the luxury of rotating arms and keeping hitters off-balance.

“We’ve got options, and that’s the difference,” said pitching coach Jennifer Rocha. “This isn’t a one-horse show. We can mix and match based on what Alabama throws at us.”

This diversity in the circle could prove pivotal against an Alabama lineup that thrives on momentum but struggles with power hitting outside of its top three bats.

3. Offensive Firepower from Top to Bottom

Oklahoma’s offense remains its calling card. The Sooners are leading the nation in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage for the fourth straight season, thanks to a lineup that has no soft spots. Eight of the nine regular starters have double-digit home runs, and OU’s on-base percentage (.455) ranks first nationally.

Leading the charge is sophomore slugger Kasidi Pickering, who’s become a breakout star with 22 home runs and a .410 batting average. Add in veterans like Jennings, Alyssa Brito, and Rylie Boone, and you have a lineup that can punish mistakes and flip games in an instant.

Alabama’s pitching, led by Jaala Torrence and Alex Salter, has held up well in SEC play, but the Tide haven’t faced an offense as relentless as OU’s since their early-season tournament slate.

“Every pitch has to be perfect,” Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said about facing Oklahoma. “They make you pay the second you miss.”

4. Scouting, Adjustments, and Mental Toughness

OU’s coaching staff is second to none when it comes to game planning and in-series adjustments. Last year, after losing Game 1 to Alabama, Gasso and her staff implemented a full shift in defensive alignment and changed pitch sequencing—moves that led to back-to-back wins to take the series.

This year, the preparation has gone deeper. OU has studied every at-bat from Alabama’s postseason, focused on the tendencies of their top hitters like Kenleigh Cahalan and Bailey Dowling, and simulated game situations to mirror Alabama’s offensive rhythm.

Gasso has emphasized the mental aspect as well, bringing in sports psychologists and using in-practice pressure scenarios to keep her team focused and flexible.

“We’ve prepared our team to be uncomfortable,” Gasso said. “Because that’s what it takes to survive Alabama.”

5. Lessons Learned from 2024 Super Regional

Last season’s Super Regional nearly derailed OU’s championship hopes. Alabama’s aggressive base-running, smart small ball, and ability to stretch innings exposed some of Oklahoma’s weaknesses—particularly in situational defense and reliever consistency.

Those lessons weren’t ignored. Over the offseason, Oklahoma revamped its defensive positioning strategy and spent extra hours drilling bunt defense and cut-off communication. It’s shown. The Sooners lead the nation in fielding percentage (.989) and rank second in defensive efficiency.

“We remember everything about last year,” Hansen said. “That series showed us what we needed to improve, and we’ve been working on it ever since.”

6. Home-Field Advantage at Love’s Field

Perhaps the most underrated factor this year? Oklahoma is playing at home.

The Sooners are nearly unbeatable at Love’s Field, where they have won 56 of their last 57 games. The crowd creates a hostile environment for visiting teams, and the familiarity with field conditions gives OU a subtle edge on defense and baserunning.

For Alabama, that means dealing with roaring fans, late-game pressure, and a team that knows how to feed off the energy.

“There’s nothing like playing in Norman in front of our fans,” Gasso said. “It’s electric, and our players rise to the occasion.”

7. The Gasso Factor

Few coaches in sports—let alone college softball—can match Patty Gasso’s record in postseason play. A six-time national champion with a career win percentage of .800+, Gasso knows how to get her teams ready for the spotlight.

She’s built a program that thrives on accountability, high standards, and confidence. Her emphasis on controlling the “controllables”—effort, attitude, and preparation—has produced a culture that’s both resilient and relentless.

When Alabama brings the heat, Gasso’s teams don’t blink. They respond.

“She gets us locked in like nobody else,” said Brito. “You feel it in every practice. Every detail matters. That’s why we’re ready.”

A Collision Course with History

This year’s Super Regional isn’t just another postseason series—it’s a statement opportunity for both programs. For Alabama, it’s a chance to prove they can take down the sport’s reigning dynasty. For Oklahoma, it’s about reaffirming their place at the top and silencing any doubters who believe the Tide can break through.

The Sooners are deeper, sharper, and more prepared than ever before. With elite leadership, diversified pitching, and an offense that can erupt at any moment, they’ve left little to chance.

More than anything, they’re motivated. Motivated by last year’s close call, by the external chatter, and by the legacy they’re continuing to build.