OU Softball Run-Rules Tulsa as Ailana Agbayani Drives in Five for Sooners
The University of Oklahoma Sooners continue to assert their dominance in the world of college softball, with their most recent performance against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane showcasing just how formidable they are. On March 12, 2025, Oklahoma demonstrated their firepower and depth in an impressive run-rule victory, 10-0, over Tulsa in a midweek showdown. While the Sooners have long been known for their offensive juggernaut, this game was particularly memorable due to the standout performance of Ailana Agbayani, who drove in a career-high five RBIs to propel her team to victory.
The game was an early-season statement from Oklahoma, demonstrating not only their incredible depth but also their ability to execute on both sides of the ball—offensively and defensively. This victory underscored why Oklahoma is ranked No. 1 in the country and continued their march towards a possible NCAA Softball Championship.
Setting the Stage: A Midweek Showdown
Midweek games in college softball are often seen as opportunities for teams to fine-tune their skills, sharpen their focus, and maintain momentum heading into the heart of the conference schedule. For Tulsa, the matchup against Oklahoma was a challenge, but one that presented an opportunity to gauge how much their program has developed. Head coach Kristin Vesely has done an admirable job turning the Golden Hurricane into a more competitive team, but facing a powerhouse like Oklahoma is a different level of competition altogether.
On the other side of the field, Oklahoma was fresh off a dominant performance and entering this game with a clear goal: to continue their strong play and showcase why they are the top team in the nation. With the Sooners’ offensive firepower, led by a lineup that includes stars like Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, and Grace Lyons, the team was ready to prove that they can be a consistent threat on offense in any game, no matter the opponent.
For Ailana Agbayani, this game presented an opportunity to shine on a bigger stage. The sophomore utility player has steadily made her mark in the Oklahoma lineup this season, but against Tulsa, she showed just how dangerous she can be when she’s on her game. Her performance was key to the Sooners’ dominant win.
The Game: OU’s Commanding Run-Rule Victory
From the outset, it was clear that Oklahoma was in control. The Sooners’ lineup wasted no time getting to work, with an aggressive offensive attack that immediately put the Golden Hurricane on the defensive.
Oklahoma’s Offensive Explosion
As one of the most potent offenses in college softball, Oklahoma did what they do best—score runs in bunches. The Sooners’ lineup is loaded with talent, and the ability to generate offense from all positions makes them a difficult team to contain. In the bottom of the first inning, Oklahoma struck early, with Grace Lyons leading off with a single and quickly stealing second base. From there, the Sooners were off and running, as Jayda Coleman and Tiare Jennings reached base, setting the stage for Ailana Agbayani to step up to the plate with the bases loaded.
Agbayani, who has been known for her ability to come through in clutch situations, did just that. On a 2-1 pitch, she crushed a grand slam to deep center field, giving Oklahoma an early 4-0 lead. The Sooners had struck with authority, and the momentum was firmly in their favor.
But Agbayani wasn’t done yet. The offense kept rolling in the second inning, as Kinzie Hansen and Rylie Boone both got on base to start the inning. With two outs, Agbayani came to the plate again, and once more, she delivered in a big way. This time, it was a two-run double that extended the Sooners’ lead to 6-0. Her performance was truly the highlight of the game, and her five RBIs on the day played a crucial role in Oklahoma’s commanding win.
While Agbayani’s heroics were a major focal point, it’s important to recognize that this victory wasn’t just about one player. The entire Sooners’ lineup was firing on all cylinders. Tiare Jennings added a two-run home run, and Jayda Coleman contributed with a couple of hits, including a timely RBI single. The offensive depth and power in the Oklahoma lineup are unmatched, and this game was a perfect example of how every hitter in the lineup is capable of making a difference.
By the time the third inning came around, the Sooners had built a 10-0 lead—enough to invoke the run rule, which ended the game after just five innings.
Tulsa’s Struggles Against Oklahoma’s Offensive Firepower
Tulsa, while a competitive team in their own right, found themselves outmatched in this game. The Golden Hurricane were facing one of the deepest and most explosive offenses in the nation, and they struggled to keep up with Oklahoma’s relentless attack.
Tatum Buckley, Tulsa’s starting pitcher, battled through some early adversity but was eventually replaced in the second inning after allowing multiple runs. She wasn’t the only pitcher used in the game, as Tulsa also turned to Brooke Binham and Abby Thomas in relief, but they too found little success against the powerful Oklahoma lineup.
Oklahoma’s hitters were just too much for the Tulsa pitching staff. The Sooners were able to get timely hits and capitalize on every opportunity, and by the time the game reached the fourth inning, the outcome was all but decided. Tulsa did not register a run in the game, and Oklahoma’s defense remained solid, with Giselle Juarez and Nicole May combining to shut down the Golden Hurricane’s offense.
While Tulsa had some moments of defensive resilience—such as a nice catch from their outfield and a couple of good plays from their infield—the consistent pressure from the Sooners was too much to overcome. The Golden Hurricane struggled to find any momentum at the plate and were ultimately outmatched by Oklahoma’s complete performance.
Ailana Agbayani: A Star Is Born
While it was a team effort for the Sooners, Ailana Agbayani’s performance was the game’s standout. The sophomore from Chino, California has steadily improved throughout her time at Oklahoma, but this game showcased just how much she has developed into a key contributor for the Sooners. Her five RBIs were a career-high, and her grand slam in the first inning set the tone for the entire game.
Agbayani’s offensive output in this game added to what has already been a breakout season for her. Throughout 2025, she has consistently been a reliable bat in the Oklahoma lineup, and her ability to drive in runs when it matters most makes her one of the most dangerous hitters in the Big 12. Her performance against Tulsa was the latest in a series of strong showings, and she is sure to be a key player for the Sooners moving forward.
Agbayani’s combination of power and situational hitting is a perfect fit for Oklahoma’s offense. She has the ability to hit for both average and power, and her ability to come through with runners in scoring position has been one of the reasons Oklahoma has been so successful. She has all the tools to continue developing into one of the premier players in college softball, and her performance in this game only solidified that.
Oklahoma’s Pitching: Solid as Ever
While the offense was undoubtedly the story of the game, the Sooners’ pitching was also dominant in their victory over Tulsa. Giselle Juarez, who has been one of the top pitchers in the nation for several years, took the circle for Oklahoma and delivered a shutout performance. Juarez threw three innings of scoreless ball, allowing just two hits and striking out five batters. Her ability to control the game from the mound was evident as she kept the Tulsa hitters off balance all game long.
After Juarez’s solid outing, Nicole May came in to finish the game. May, another of Oklahoma’s standout pitchers, was just as effective, throwing a scoreless inning of relief. May’s ability to come in and finish the game speaks to the depth and versatility of Oklahoma’s pitching staff, which is one of the best in the country.
In addition to the strong pitching, the Sooners’ defense was also solid, with Grace Lyons and Jayda Coleman anchoring the infield and outfield, respectively. Oklahoma’s defense has been consistently reliable all season, and this game was no exception.