For a program steeped in tradition, dominance, and championships, the Oklahoma Sooners softball team once again showcased why they’re considered the gold standard of collegiate softball. With a powerful mix of timely hitting, dominant pitching, and clutch performances, Patty Gasso’s squad captured the Amherst Regional Championship this past weekend, punching their ticket to the Super Regionals and taking one step closer to the program’s eighth Women’s College World Series (WCWS) title.
The victory wasn’t just another line on the resume — it was a clear signal that despite adversity, roster turnover, and a bullseye on their backs, the Sooners are still elite. Here’s a look into their dominant regional campaign, key players who fueled their success, and what lies ahead as Oklahoma chases history.
A Historic Setting, a New Stage
The Amherst Regional marked an interesting chapter for Oklahoma. Traditionally hosting regionals in Norman, the Sooners were instead shipped to Amherst due to seeding dynamics and NCAA considerations. It was the first time in over a decade that Oklahoma had to win a regional outside its home turf — a fact that didn’t faze the seasoned roster.
With a target as big as ever, and fan bases rooting for their downfall, Oklahoma embraced the “road warrior” mentality and made the regional site their own. Whether it was the smattering of loyal OU fans who made the trip or the championship culture embedded within each player, the Sooners made Amherst look like Norman North.
Game 1: Statement Made
The Sooners opened regional play against Marist, a scrappy MAAC champion eager to prove its worth. Oklahoma, however, wasted no time asserting dominance.
Senior slugger Tiare Jennings, already regarded as one of the most clutch postseason players in recent history, opened the scoring with a towering two-run shot in the first inning. That set the tone for an eventual 11-0 rout, where the Sooners tallied 14 hits and limited Marist to just two base runners.
Kelly Maxwell, the Oklahoma State transfer who’s become a critical piece of the Sooners’ postseason puzzle, threw five shutout innings with 10 strikeouts — reminding everyone why she was one of the most coveted pitchers in the portal last offseason.
“It’s just about trusting my stuff and the defense behind me,” Maxwell said postgame. “These girls make it easy to go out there and compete.”
Game 2: Surviving the Scare
In Game 2, Oklahoma squared off against UMass, the Atlantic 10 powerhouse that fed off home crowd energy. For five innings, it looked like an upset was brewing. UMass led 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth thanks to aggressive baserunning and a surprising Oklahoma defensive lapse.
That’s when Kinzie Hansen stepped up. The veteran catcher smashed a go-ahead three-run homer off UMass ace Katie White, flipping the momentum instantly. Hansen, who’s battled injuries all season, pumped her fist toward the dugout — a spark of emotion that ignited the Sooners.
Freshman phenom Mayce Allen entered in relief and shut the door, preserving a nail-biting 5-3 win.
“That was the loudest dugout I’ve heard all season,” said Coach Gasso. “They weren’t going to let that one slip away. That’s championship DNA.”
Championship Sunday: Dominance Reaffirmed
With a 2-0 regional record, Oklahoma faced a red-hot UConn team that had knocked off UMass in an elimination game. But the Sooners were done playing with their food. Sunday was all business.
Oklahoma rolled to an 8-1 victory, led by a three-hit, four-RBI performance from sophomore outfielder Rylie Boone, who’s emerged as a quiet catalyst at the top of the lineup. Boone’s speed and plate discipline helped fuel a five-run third inning that broke the game open.
Meanwhile, Nicole May delivered a masterclass in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run and striking out seven. She baffled UConn hitters with precision and poise, pitching like someone who’s been here before — because she has.
After the final out, the Sooners mobbed May in the circle, while chants of “Boomer Sooner” echoed from the visiting section. The regional trophy was hoisted — another step closer to the ultimate goal.
Unsung Heroes and Key Contributors
While stars like Jennings, Hansen, and Maxwell earned deserved praise, the Amherst Regional highlighted Oklahoma’s impressive depth.
Avery Hodge, a sophomore infielder known more for her glove than her bat, contributed a pivotal RBI double in the semifinal and made several sparkling plays at second base. Her emergence adds another layer of security to the Sooners’ infield.
Jayda Coleman, the All-American center fielder, didn’t hit a home run in the regional — but her glove made an impact. She robbed UMass of a potential grand slam with a leaping catch at the wall in Game 2, a play that instantly shifted momentum.
Then there’s Alynah Torres, who quietly went 5-for-9 over the three games with two doubles and stellar defense at shortstop. It’s that balance — power, defense, depth, and leadership — that makes Oklahoma dangerous year after year.
Patty Gasso: The Calm in the Chaos
Few programs have sustained excellence like Oklahoma under Patty Gasso. With over 1,500 career wins, Gasso is more than just a coach — she’s a culture architect. Every postseason, her teams seem to peak at the right time.
This year, however, presented more challenges than most. Injuries, a younger roster, the pressure of a potential “four-peat” — yet Gasso never blinked.
“Our mindset is never about the streaks or the records,” Gasso said after the regional final. “It’s about honoring the game, playing with passion, and embracing the journey. These girls have been tested, and I love the grit they’ve shown.”
What’s Next: Super Regional Preview
With the Amherst Regional title secured, Oklahoma now sets its sights on the Super Regional, where they’ll face a familiar foe: the Florida Gators.
Florida, led by veteran coach Tim Walton, advanced through the Gainesville Regional in equally dominant fashion. Known for explosive offense and crafty pitching, the Gators and Sooners have met in past high-stakes battles — including WCWS matchups and national championships.
This year’s showdown promises fireworks. Oklahoma’s pitching depth will be tested by Florida’s power hitters, while the Gators must deal with the relentless pressure the Sooners apply on the bases.
“It’s a heavyweight battle,” said Gasso. “We respect them, they respect us. But it’s about who can execute and keep composure under pressure.”
The Bigger Picture: Chasing History
A win in the Super Regionals will send Oklahoma back to Oklahoma City, where the WCWS awaits. If the Sooners make it to OKC, they will be four wins away from accomplishing something unprecedented in modern NCAA softball history: four consecutive national championships.
No program, not even the iconic UCLA Bruins, has ever strung together a four-peat in the WCWS era. The Sooners already hold the record for longest win streak in D1 softball (53 straight), and another national title would further cement them as the greatest dynasty in the sport’s history.
But the players aren’t talking about records. They’re focused on the now — one pitch, one inning, one win at a time.
“We don’t take anything for granted,” said Jennings. “Every team gives us their best shot. We know we have to earn every inning. That’s what makes it fun.”
Final Thoughts: A Machine That Won’t Stop
What Oklahoma accomplished in Amherst was more than just a regional win. It was a declaration — that despite the pressure, the expectations, and the challenges, the Sooners are still the team to beat.
Their blend of elite coaching, veteran leadership, emerging stars, and battle-tested resolve makes them a force few can rival. As the postseason rolls on, one thing is clear: if you want the national championship, you have to go through Oklahoma.
And judging by their performance in Amherst, that’s still the tallest task in college softball.
UP NEXT:
- Opponent: Florida Gators (Super Regional)
- Location: Norman, OK
- Dates: May 17–19
- What’s at Stake: A trip to the 2025 Women’s College World Series