No. 2 Oklahoma Run-Rules Cal to Advance to the Norman Regional Softball Final
NORMAN, Okla. — The No. 2-seeded Oklahoma Sooners continued their dominant postseason run on Saturday with a statement victory, defeating California 6-0 in five innings to advance to the Norman Regional final. The win was fueled by stellar pitching and timely offense, putting the Sooners one step closer to another Women’s College World Series appearance.
Oklahoma, three-time defending national champions, wasted no time establishing control. Star pitcher Kelly Maxwell threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits and striking out eight. The veteran left-hander kept Cal hitters off balance all afternoon, extending Oklahoma’s NCAA tournament winning streak and showcasing why she remains one of the most trusted arms in the country.
“I just wanted to come out and give our team a good start,” Maxwell said. “We’re all locked in right now, and the energy from the crowd really helped push us.”
Offensively, the Sooners did their damage early and efficiently. In the bottom of the first, freshman phenom Ella Parker ripped a two-run double into the right-center gap, giving OU a 2-0 lead. The scoring continued in the second, when Jayda Coleman delivered a sharp single that plated two more. Kinzie Hansen added a towering solo home run in the third, and Alynah Torres capped off the scoring with an RBI double in the fourth.
Oklahoma’s aggressive base running and relentless pressure kept Cal’s defense on its heels. The Golden Bears, who upset Florida earlier in the day to set up the matchup with OU, struggled to match the Sooners’ pace and execution.
The run-rule was invoked after five innings, marking Oklahoma’s second consecutive mercy-rule victory in the regional. It was also the Sooners’ 54th consecutive home win, a streak that dates back to the 2022 season and underscores their dominance at Marita Hynes Field.
With the win, Oklahoma advances to Sunday’s Norman Regional final, where they will await the winner of the elimination game between Cal and another opponent. The Sooners will need just one more win to punch their ticket to the Super Regionals.
Head coach Patty Gasso praised her team’s focus and poise. “We’re playing confident and clean softball,” Gasso said. “Every part of our game is contributing. That’s what you want to see in the postseason.”
Oklahoma is seeking its fourth consecutive national championship and shows no signs of slowing down. With elite pitching, explosive hitting, and unmatched experience, the Sooners are once again the team to beat.
Leave a Reply