Oklahoma Softball Defeats Alabama 3-0 in Super Regional Opener

NORMAN, Oklahoma – The University of Oklahoma softball team achieved a 3-0 victory over the University of Alabama on Friday afternoon, setting the stage for a potential ninth consecutive trip to the Women’s College World Series.

Senior right-handed pitcher Sam Landry delivered a stellar performance, tossing a complete-game shutout. She scattered four hits and struck out five batters in front of 4,444 fans at Love’s Field. Oklahoma improved to 49-7, while Alabama fell to 40-22.

Head coach Patty Gasso emphasized the importance of the win, stating, “It’s definitely not something Oklahoma just does. There’s a fight going on between Alabama and ourselves trying to get to the World Series. Getting the first victory in a series gives us momentum. We want to come out and attack and create great momentum for ourselves.”

The Sooners need just one more win in this best-of-three series to advance. Game two is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN, and a potential game three will take place on Sunday.

Landry’s victory marked her 16th complete game of the season, and it was her fourth win in four appearances this postseason. “There’s nothing that really rattles her or unsettles her,” Gasso said. “I felt like she had complete control today.”

In the match, sophomore outfielder Jordyn Dayton set the tone by leading off the bottom of the third inning with a walk. Freshman infielder Alyssa Pickering followed with a home run, putting Oklahoma ahead 2-0. Pickering’s home run traveled 246 feet with an exit velocity of 76 mph.

“We had a little conversation before we went up to bat,” Dayton said, excited about Pickering’s moment. “First pitch, home run. I couldn’t do anything except turn around and watch her run the bases.”

With this win, Pickering now shares the team lead in home runs with freshman shortstop Brianna Eberhardt, both with 18 homers this season. In the fifth inning, Dayton doubled and was driven home by a single from freshman right fielder to secure the third run.

<p"That insurance run was huge," Gasso noted.

Alabama managed only one player to reach third base against Landry, who maintained her composure throughout the game. Dayton praised her teammate, saying, “She stood her ground today. I expect nothing less. She’s an amazing pitcher.”