No. 2 Oklahoma Softball Advances to Regional Final with Dominant Win over California
Source: Soonersports.com
Oklahoma’s Impressive Performance at Love’s Field
In a remarkable display of skill and power, the No. 2 ranked Oklahoma Sooners (47-7) triumphed over the California Golden Bears (36-20), winning 11-2 in a five-inning game on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This decisive victory allowed Oklahoma to advance to the NCAA Norman Regional final, showcasing their strength in the postseason.
Kasidi Pickering Steals the Show
The star of the day was undeniably Kasidi Pickering, who delivered an exceptional performance, hitting two home runs, including a grand slam. In total, she recorded three hits, six RBIs, and scored three runs, boosting her batting average to an impressive .414.
– **First Homers of the Game:** It took just three pitches for Pickering to hit her first home run, sending a 77-mph drive to left field, giving the Sooners a quick lead.
– **Response from California:** California tied the game shortly after with a solo shot from Kaylee Pond that hit the right-field foul pole.
Oklahoma answered back fiercely, scoring four runs in the second inning through a combination of walks and clever hitting.
Key Contributions from Team Members
Alongside Pickering, other Sooners played pivotal roles:
– Gabbie Garcia: The freshman shortstop contributed significantly with her own two-run home run, bringing her season total to 17 homers.
– Sam Landry: The starting pitcher secured her 21st win of the season, pitching four innings, striking out four, and successfully navigating a bases-loaded jam.
Landry’s performance was critical in limiting California’s scoring opportunities, as she effectively stranded seven runners throughout the game.
Moments that Defined the Game
Oklahoma’s offensive explosion came in the second inning, where they capitalized on a series of well-executed plays:
– Pickering’s bases-loaded single pushed Oklahoma ahead.
– Ella Parker followed suit with another bases-loaded single, extending the lead to 3-1.
– Sydney Barker added another single, while Garcia was hit by a pitch to secure a four-run inning.
Even as California attempted a comeback, reducing the lead to 5-2, the Sooners’ resilience shone through, culminating in a powerful sixth.
Pickering’s grand slam, her second homer of the game, brought the score to 11-2, underscoring her dominant presence on the field. Head coach Patty Gasso praised Pickering, stating, “You could just feel that and see that. Gabbie’s home run helped give us momentum.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Sooners have positioned themselves just a win away from hosting a Super Regional at Love’s Field, scheduled to start the following Friday. The Sooners will face the winner of the late game on Saturday in the regional final, set for 1 p.m. on Sunday.
As the postseason continues, the Sooners are displaying the prowess and determination expected of a title-contending team.
Stay tuned as we follow the Oklahoma Sooners in their journey through the NCAA tournament!
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Oklahoma softball, NCAA softball, Kasidi Pickering, Gabbie Garcia, Sam Landry, Oklahoma Sooners, California Golden Bears, NCAA regional, softball highlights, sports news