Get ready for an exciting weekend of OU Softball at the Troy Cox Classic! The Sooners are on the road again, and this time, they're bringing the heat to New Mexico.
With a challenging opening weekend behind them, the fourth-ranked Sooners are looking to build on their momentum. Last week, they took on Arizona and Arizona State, winning three out of four games. But here's where it gets interesting... there's more to this story than just the wins.
Let's dive into the key aspects to watch out for this weekend:
Weekend Schedule
- Friday, 11 AM CT: OU vs. Montana (ESPN+)
- Friday, 2 PM: OU vs. New Mexico State (ESPN+)
- Saturday, 10 AM: OU vs. Minnesota (ESPN+)
- Saturday, 1 PM: OU vs. Idaho State (ESPN+)
- Sunday, 1 PM: OU vs. UTEP (ESPN+)
The Pitching Staff
Audrey Lowry stole the show last weekend with her dominant performance. However, the rest of the pitching staff had a rough time. Every pitcher saw action, but they collectively struggled, allowing 18 runs and 15 walks in just over 9 innings. The absence of veteran pitching coach Jennifer Rocha, who is dealing with a health issue, adds an extra layer of intrigue. With interim coach Karlie Keeney at the helm, will the pitchers bounce back, or will Lowry continue to carry the load?
Lineup Changes
Head Coach Patty Gasso experimented with different lineups last weekend, deploying 14 players across four games and three starting lineups. Players like Ella Parker, Kasidi Pickering, and Kai Minor saw action in various positions. Gasso has hinted at continuing these lineup tweaks based on matchups and game flow. The question remains: will the Sooners find a consistent starting lineup this weekend, especially at first base, where there's been some shuffling?
Kendall Wells: A Rising Star?
Freshman catcher Kendall Wells made an immediate impact, starting all four games and pushing Isabela Emerling down the depth chart. Wells showed off her power, hitting two home runs, including the game-winning blast against Arizona. Coach Gasso is excited about Wells' potential, praising her ability to handle the pressure and make an easy transition behind the plate. "She just swings with all her might," Gasso said. "I can't wait to see her growth as she understands the game better."
And this is the part most people miss...
The absence of Sydney Barker in the starting lineup last week is notable. Barker, who established herself as a starter late last season, only appeared in one game. Gasso has praised Barker's versatility, so it will be interesting to see if she gets more playing time this weekend.
So, what do you think? Will the Sooners continue their winning streak? Can the pitching staff find their groove? And will Kendall Wells keep impressing? Join the discussion in the comments and let us know your predictions!
Don't miss out on the action! Subscribe to OUInsider for just $1 for your first week and get exclusive Oklahoma football and recruiting insights. Click HERE to take advantage of this incredible deal!
