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!
Oklahoma is set to take on some tough opponents in New Mexico, starting this Friday. After a challenging opening weekend, where they won three out of four games, the Sooners are ready to build on their momentum. Let's dive into what to expect!
Schedule Alert:
- Friday: 11 AM CT vs. Montana (ESPN+)
- Friday: 2 PM vs. New Mexico State (ESPN+)
- Saturday: 10 AM vs. Minnesota (ESPN+)
- Saturday: 1 PM vs. Idaho State (ESPN+)
- Sunday: 1 PM vs. UTEP (ESPN+)
Pitching Performance:
Audrey Lowry stole the show last weekend with her dominant pitching. However, the rest of the pitching staff had some struggles. Every pitcher saw action, but they combined for some surprising stats: 18 runs, 9 hits, and a whopping 15 walks in just over 9 innings! Kierston Deal and Miali Guachino had particularly tough outings. With veteran pitching coach Jennifer Rocha absent due to health issues, the interim coach, Karlie Keeney, has a big task ahead.
But here's where it gets interesting... Will Lowry continue to carry the load, or will the pitching staff step up and support her? This weekend could be a turning point for the Sooners' pitching strategy.
Lineup Shuffles:
Coach Gasso has been experimenting with different lineups, and it's been a real mix-up! 14 players saw action across the four games, and Gasso deployed three unique starting lineups. Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering switched positions, and true freshman Kai Minor started in three games. The big question: How will the Sooners handle the first base position this weekend? Particularly, will we see more of Sydney Barker, who only started one game last week, despite her established starter status?
Freshman Sensation:
Kendall Wells, a true freshman, has made an immediate impact. She started all four games at catcher, and her power at the plate is impressive. Wells blasted two home runs, including the game-winning shot against Arizona. Coach Gasso is excited about Wells' potential and believes she'll only get better as she understands the game more. "She swings with authority," Gasso said. "I can't wait to see her continue to develop and become a key player for us."
So, what do you think? Will the Sooners continue their winning streak? How will the pitching staff perform without their veteran coach? And will Kendall Wells keep up her impressive start? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
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