OU Softball Wins Again, Heads to Regional Championship

NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma Softball team is headed to the Regional Championship after defeating California 11-2 on Saturday afternoon.

This victory marks the second straight run-rule win for the Sooners in NCAA postseason play. They previously dominated Boston University with an 8-0 win on Friday. However, head coach Patty Gasso felt her team needed improvement after their opening game.

Things started off strong on Saturday, as star sophomore Kasidi Pickering hit a lead-off home run during Oklahoma’s first swing of the game. The hit energized the Crimson Crowd at Love's Field.

Pickering added another homer in the sixth inning, this time a grand slam. Earlier in the inning, Gabbie Garcia hit a solo shot, contributing to the Sooners’ impressive offensive performance.

Oklahoma’s defense was equally crucial in their win. In the first inning, with a runner on third, ace pitcher Sam Landry struck out back-to-back batters to escape the inning without allowing a run.

California fought back and loaded the bases in the third inning, but the Oklahoma defense executed a double play to keep the score at 5-2. The Sooners also got through a tough fourth inning without giving up any runs despite another bases-loaded scenario.

Landry finished the game with four strikeouts, allowing seven hits and two runs over four innings. Pickering led the offensive charge with six RBIs, while Garcia contributed three. Sydney Barker and Ella Parker each added one RBI.

This win marks Oklahoma’s 15th consecutive victory in Regional play. The Sooners will compete in the Regional Championship on Sunday. If they win, they will advance to the Superregional. A loss will result in a rematch against the same opponent later in the day, with the chance for a winner-take-all finale.