Norman, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Sooners celebrated their seniors on Sunday, but it was the freshmen who stole the show and brought back the team’s confidence in a decisive victory over rival Oklahoma State. Kasidi Pickering’s home run in the fourth inning ignited the offense, marking the team’s first long ball of the series.
The two-run shot by Pickering set the tone for the game, providing a much-needed spark for Oklahoma to avoid being swept by their rivals. Freshman Jayda Coleman’s clutch RBI in the sixth inning helped put the Sooners ahead, but it was Ella Parker’s three-run homer that sealed the 8-2 victory and prevented the Bedlam sweep.
The win not only secured the 2-seed for the Sooners in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament but also ended their struggles with runners on base. Head coach Patty Gasso praised the team’s resilience, acknowledging the tough days leading up to the game and highlighting the return to form that Sunday’s performance represented.
Senior pitcher Karlie Keeney made a stellar return to the circle, showcasing her skills and keeping Oklahoma State’s offense in check. Despite some tense moments in the game, the Sooners’ defense stepped up when needed, making crucial plays to maintain their lead.
Throughout the game, both teams fought hard to gain momentum, with Oklahoma State threatening to erase the Sooners’ advantage. However, standout plays by Tiare Jennings and the strong pitching of Keeney ultimately secured the win for Oklahoma.
The arrival of reliever Kierston Deal added some suspense to the game, but a late-game rally by the Sooners, highlighted by Parker’s home run and contributions from the entire lineup, put the game out of reach for Oklahoma State. Gasso commended the team’s performance, emphasizing the timely hitting, solid defense, and overall energy that propelled them to victory.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma now turns its focus to the Big 12 Tournament, where they will enter as the 2-seed and aim to continue their winning ways. With their eyes set on a spot in the semifinals, the Sooners will prepare to face tough competition as they pursue postseason success.