This weekend, Norman, Oklahoma will be buzzing as the third-ranked Texas Longhorns come to face off against the fourth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners in a highly anticipated NCAA softball series. The competition is set for three exciting games at Love’s Field, and fans can catch all the action on national television.
Both teams are fighting not just for bragging rights in this historic rivalry but also for supremacy in the SEC title race. With both teams sitting at 13-5 in SEC play, they are tied for second place, just a hair behind Texas A&M. There are only a couple of weekends left before the SEC tournament, which makes every pitch and at-bat even more crucial.
The Longhorns possess a well-balanced team, leading the SEC with an impressive .359 team batting average. Key players include Reese Atwood, who has belted out 16 home runs and tallied 62 RBIs. Furthermore, teammate Mia Scott, along with Kayden Henry and Ashton Maloney, are all batting over .425. On the pitching side, Teagan Kavan, with a record of 20-3 and an ERA of 1.63, leads a pitching staff known for keeping opponents at bay with an impressive .205 batting average.
On the other hand, the Sooners are on an upward trajectory after a sweep of Mississippi State last weekend, marking a three-game win streak. Key contributors include Kasidi Pickering at .431 and Ella Parker at .386. The power hitters, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas and Isabela Emerling, have also been crucial, contributing to Oklahoma’s total of 84 home runs. Leading the pitching squad, Sam Landry holds a record of 15-3 with an ERA of 1.89.
History favors the Sooners, who have won 13 of the last 16 meetings against Texas, including victories in the last three matchups that stretched into 2024. However, the Longhorns are looking to shake things up; they recently secured their first win at Oklahoma State in almost a decade. Notably, they have split their last six regular-season games with the Sooners, who have been dominant in the postseason rounds.
In the latest college softball Power 10 rankings, both teams remain in the top four. Texas has maintained its spot following a home series win against LSU, while Oklahoma held steady after a weekend sweep over Mississippi State, showcasing their power with seven home runs in the series. As this exciting rivalry unfolds, fans are in for a treat as the stakes couldn’t be higher. Get ready for some fantastic softball action!
