Softball at OU: No. 3 Oklahoma Seeking to Enhance the ‘Building Blocks’ from Last Weekend

The Oklahoma Sooners softball team has established itself as a powerhouse in collegiate softball over the past few seasons, and as the 2025 season unfolds, they continue to solidify their position as one of the top programs in the nation. With a strong No. 3 ranking to start the season, the Sooners are looking to build upon their impressive performances from last weekend while also enhancing the foundational aspects of their play.

The team’s ability to maintain dominance year after year is not simply a result of having a few standout athletes—though they certainly have plenty of those—but rather a product of a well-oiled machine built on strong fundamentals, a commitment to improvement, and a deep understanding of the game. While the Sooners are pleased with their early-season results, the coaching staff is focused on further enhancing the “building blocks” that will make them a truly formidable team as the season progresses. This article explores how Oklahoma is seeking to build upon the momentum from last weekend, the players to watch, and the strategic areas of growth that the team is targeting.

Setting the Stage for Success

Oklahoma’s softball program has experienced immense success in recent years, with the team consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation. With a championship pedigree and a roster brimming with talent, the Sooners are on the hunt for another NCAA Women’s College World Series appearance, if not the ultimate prize: a national championship.

Their journey has been marked by a blend of veteran leadership and young, hungry talent. Key contributors from the 2024 season have returned, and the addition of a highly-touted recruiting class has injected a renewed sense of energy and competition into the team. However, even the best programs are always looking for ways to grow, develop, and fine-tune their craft. Oklahoma’s coaching staff, led by Patty Gasso, is no stranger to success, but the need to continually push forward and improve is always at the forefront.

Last Weekend’s Performance: A Strong Foundation

Before diving into the areas that need further improvement, it’s important to recognize the performance from last weekend, which set the stage for the Sooners to continue to elevate their game.

Oklahoma played well and secured several solid victories over ranked opponents, showing that their offense and defense are both working cohesively. However, despite the strong results, Coach Gasso has made it clear that there are still areas that need to be refined before the team can reach its full potential. The Sooners’ offense was explosive as usual, scoring in double digits in multiple games, but Coach Gasso also emphasized the importance of consistency and better execution in certain critical moments.

From a pitching perspective, the Sooners were strong, but with some work needed in terms of limiting base runners in high-pressure situations. Georgina Corrick, Nicole May, and Sami Williams, among others, pitched well, but they were put into positions where they were forced to work around opposing threats. This gave the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the team’s ability to execute under pressure, which will be crucial in tighter games as the season progresses.

Enhancing the Offensive Building Blocks

The Oklahoma offense is often one of the most potent in the country, but it’s a unit that is always looking for improvement. Despite a few strikeouts and missed opportunities in the last series, the Sooners’ batting order remains a top-tier force, led by a mix of experienced seniors and emerging underclassmen who have already shown signs of brilliance. The offensive “building blocks” are in place, but continued focus on plate discipline, timely hitting, and situational awareness will help further elevate their game.

Oklahoma’s ability to hit for average and power is what makes them so dangerous. Tiare Jennings has established herself as one of the most feared hitters in college softball, and Jayda Coleman has the potential to turn any game around with her quickness and ability to hit to all fields. However, Gasso and her coaching staff are emphasizing the need for these players and others to make adjustments when facing different pitching styles. The challenge for Oklahoma will be to remain patient and disciplined while also maintaining their aggressive approach at the plate.

Focus on Situational Hitting

One area the Sooners are keen to work on is situational hitting. In critical moments where the game is on the line or the score is close, being able to execute a sacrifice bunt, hit behind a runner, or find ways to get on base is crucial. Advanced situational awareness will allow the Sooners to close out games and execute under pressure. They have the tools to win games with power, but they must also be able to manufacture runs when necessary. Developing consistency in executing these “small ball” strategies will make them an even more dangerous team.

Keeping the Aggression Without Overextending

Oklahoma is known for its aggressive offense, but that can sometimes lead to swinging at bad pitches or leaving runners stranded. Finding the balance between maintaining an aggressive mentality while also being mindful of pitch selection will be a key focus moving forward. Gasso is coaching her team to stay aggressive but to also have a level of patience that helps them avoid falling into bad habits.

Defensive Development and Improvement

While the Sooners’ offense is typically their strongest point, the defense is just as critical to their success. Last weekend’s games showed some promising defensive plays, but there were still a few instances where Oklahoma could have been cleaner in the field. For a team that prides itself on its all-around game, improving defensively—particularly in the infield and outfield—is something that will be emphasized in the coming weeks.

One area that stands out is turning double plays and cutting off runners on the basepaths. The Sooners’ defense is typically sound, but with the added pressure of competing against tougher teams down the stretch, the need for quick decision-making and precision will become even more important. Gasso has always valued fundamentals, and while the Sooners’ defensive play is generally solid, taking it to the next level will help secure more victories throughout the season.

Infield Consistency

The infield defense is where the Sooners will need to make the biggest strides. Grace Lyons, a key player at shortstop, and Jada Coleman, who’s been steady at second base, have shown strong glovework, but the team needs more from the entire unit when it comes to turning double plays and getting outs quickly. The addition of new talent like Rylie Boone at third base provides further depth, but it’s crucial that the entire infield remains on the same page, especially in crucial moments.

Outfield Play and Communication

The outfield is often one of the most challenging aspects of softball defense, and for Oklahoma, ensuring good communication between Coleman in center and Jocelyn Alo in left will be important in avoiding misplays on fly balls or line drives. With fast-paced offenses across the country, Oklahoma’s outfielders must remain locked in, making sure they stay aggressive and communicative when going after high balls in the gaps.

Pitching Strategy and Depth

The Sooners’ pitching staff has long been one of the cornerstones of their program’s success. While the offense often steals the spotlight, the importance of quality pitching cannot be overstated. Gasso and her coaching staff have a wealth of talent to choose from, including ace pitchers Nicole May and Georgina Corrick.

One aspect the Sooners will continue to work on is keeping opposing offenses off balance by mixing speeds and pitch types. The team’s pitching is generally solid, but May and Corrick must be even more effective at changing the location and pace of their pitches, particularly in high-leverage situations.

Building Depth in the Bullpen

With the wear and tear of the long season, the bullpen will need to develop additional depth. Sami Williams and Nicole May will likely be the team’s primary starters, but in case of injuries or performance issues, the depth of the bullpen will play a crucial role. Building that depth early in the season will prepare the team for the rigors of conference play and the NCAA Tournament.

Looking Ahead: Enhancing the Building Blocks

As the season progresses, the Sooners are continuing to work on their building blocks—offense, defense, and pitching. The focus is on consistency, execution, and making smart adjustments in the heat of the moment. While the Sooners are off to a great start, Coach Gasso understands that every team they face will challenge them, and they must be prepared to elevate their game at every turn. Whether it’s improving defensive communication, refining offensive approaches, or ensuring that the pitching staff remains effective, Oklahoma will look to continue building on its success from last weekend, ultimately working toward another potential championship run.