Latest news with #WCWS
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners included in Softball America's early WCWS projection
Oklahoma Sooners included in Softball America's early WCWS projection The Oklahoma Sooners didn't reach the Women's College World Series championship series for just the second time in the last decade. They were just a few plays away from extending their semifinal series against Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders came away with the clutch hits to eliminate the four-time defending national champions. Though many have claimed an end to the Sooners dynasty, the reality is it's just a bump in the road. Oklahoma will be back in Oklahoma City next year. They bring back a talented roster and add the nation's No. 1 recruiting class in 2025. On3 and Softball America's Brady Vernon believes the Sooners will be one of the eight teams to make it to the Women's College World Series in 2026. In his "Early 8," Vernon projected Oklahoma, along with Alabama, Florida State, Oregon, Texas, Nebraska, Texas Tech, and Tennessee, to make up the WCWS field in 2026. More: 2026 Women's College World Series way too early predictions Until the Sooners don't make it back to Oklahoma City, we will continue to predict them to be mainstays in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma projects to have nearly its entire lineup back next season, including Ella Parker, Kasidi Pickering, and Gabbie Garcia. The early transfer addition of former LSU All-American Sydney Berzon certainly helps. They bring back veteran Kierston Deal and talented rising sophomore Audrey Lowey. They will also have talented freshmen Sophia Bordi, Allyssa Parker and Berkley Zache available in the circle. - Vernon, Softball America for On3 The Sooners will still have a young corps of players leading the way in 2026. The addition of Sydney Berzon helps replace Sam Landry, but they need more of their pitching depth to step up next year so they aren't so reliant on the LSU transfer for every game in the postseason. If there's another area where they can improve, it's with runners on base and with runners in scoring position. Oklahoma had opportunities in their WCWS losses to Texas and Texas Tech but couldn't get the timely hits to rally against to of the stars of the tournament, Teagan Kavan and NiJaree Canady. They'll face the same challenges next year as Kavan, Canady, and Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens all return for 2026. But another year with Ella Parker, Kasidi Pickering, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas, and Gabbie Garcia leading the lineup should continue to yield big numbers at the plate. Though the Sooners may not enter the 2026 season as the favorites to win the national title, you can bet they'll be one of the teams in the mix in Oklahoma City. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is OU softball ready for record-breaking Karlyn Pickens in WCWS opener vs Tennessee?
Karlyn Pickens was a force during Tennessee's series win over OU softball in late March. Fresh off setting the record for fastest-recorded pitch in softball history at 78.2 — a mark that lasted two months as she set a new record of 79.4 mph last week — Pickens tossed a combined 12 ⅔ innings in two games, allowed four earned runs and struck out 12 Sooners en route to handing OU its first series loss of the season. Advertisement 'It's pretty amazing, really,' OU coach Patty Gasso said of Pickens during Women's College World Series media day on Wednesday. 'It's setting a new standard. And there's a lot of little girls that are going to be going, 'Wow, I just hit 60.' Only 19 more miles to go.' Back in March, Gasso said her offense wasn't good enough. Since then, the Sooners have taken off, winning 14 of their last 16, clinching the SEC regular-season title and advancing to their ninth consecutive WCWS appearance. OU's offense is back to clicking on all cylinders and ranks No. 2 in home runs per game (2.02) and No. 5 in scoring, averaging 7.75 runs per game. More: Why OU softball ace pitcher Sam Landry 'means the world' to Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco Karlyn Pickens practices at media and practice day for the Women's College World Series at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, May, 28, 2025. Heading into Thursday's rematch with the Volunteers in the WCWS, Gasso knows the Sooners have it in them to bounce back. Advertisement 'We could tell you we weren't at our best,' Gasso said. 'They won fair and square. They deserved that, no doubt about it. But we know that we have more in us, and we're trusting that we're going to bring it out tomorrow.' Pickens isn't just a hard thrower; she's improved as a complete pitcher and has been one of the most productive players nationally all season. The back-to-back SEC Pitcher of the Year enters the WCWS with a 1.00 earned run average and a 280-58 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Opponents have hit .168 against Pickens and she tossed 21 strikeouts in 14 innings with only seven hits allowed, two walks and two earned runs in two elimination games last week. 'How long do you have?' Tennessee coach Karen Weekly said when asked about Pickens. 'It's really remarkable when you look at Karlyn from freshman to now. As a freshman, the velo was there, maybe a little bit wild but she really bought into developing all of the other pitches. Her rise ball, her drop ball and her changeup.' Advertisement Pickens was lights out against some of OU's best hitters in Norman. Gabbie Garcia and Ella Parker were a combined 0 for 13 at the plate against Pickens in the series loss. "Let's be honest, she throws a 78 mph pitch and you have 0.31 seconds to react," Sooners outfielder Kasidi Pickering said of Pickens in March. "Who's doing that?' Gasso said that the series two months ago was a learning opportunity for a team that hadn't played its best. OU's players undoubtedly remember the feeling of watching the Vols celebrate on Love's Field. The Sooners have to be better against Pickens. If not, OU's road to its fifth consecutive national championship gets that much tougher. Advertisement More: USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 All-American softball awards, coach and player of the year Gasso thinks her team is up for matching the flame-throwing Pickens. '(Pickens) is definitely one of the best, there's no doubt about it,' Gasso said. 'We respect that. We respect the team that we're playing. They're very, very good, they play hard. Tomorrow, it's just about who's going to be better, and that's what it comes down to. We're going to be prepared. '(Pickens' record is) great for our game. It's phenomenal. Some of the pitchers in this tournament have been absolutely amazing. So it's a challenge for the Sooners, without question, but that's what got us here. We love challenges.' Advertisement Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@ or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens is a 'challenge' for OU softball in WCWS
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Light the Tower! Texas softball national title sets off celebration, social media frenzy
Light the Tower! As soon as the Texas Longhorns softball team secured its first NCAA National Championship with a 10-4 win over Texas Tech in Game 3 of the Women's College World Series, the celebrations started in Oklahoma City's Devon Park, on the University of Texas Campus and all over social media. From Matthew McConaughey to Longhorns softball legend Cat Osterman to former Texas football great Eric Metcalf all posted congratulations to the first Texas team to win the WCWS title in eight tries. Even Major League Baseball and the Houston Astros sent out congratulations. Advertisement On the field, the players and staff celebrated with trophies and confetti. Texas ace pitcher Teagan Kavan was named the WCWS outstanding player. Kavan didn't give up a single earned run in the tournament. Even Texas Tech super fan Patrick Mahomes tipped his hat on Twitter. Longhorns fans that didn't make the trip to OKC will get to celebrate with the team Saturday evening at Red & Charline McCombs Field at 6 p.m. CT. The gates open at 5 p.m. CT and admission is free. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire. This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas softball national title sets off celebration, social media frenzy
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes gushes over Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady amid WCWS
The post Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes gushes over Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady amid WCWS appeared first on ClutchPoints. There are reasons for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to be happy about his new offensive lineman. But Mahomes is also getting joy from college softball. And he gushed over Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady amid the Women's College World Series. Advertisement Mahomes showed his support for the pitcher, saying her arm talent is special, according to a post on X by ESPN. 'The way she can control the softball,' Mahomes said. 'And the way she's able to locate in the strike zone. It is special. To be able to watch it firsthand, you know why we're in the position we're in. It starts off with her and her leadership.' Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes a supporter of women's sports Mahomes shows strong support for his former university. And not just football. 'I love Texas Tech,' Mahomes said. 'And everything Texas Tech is about. To have NiJaree here along with the other girls. It's been fun to watch. I've always loved softball and watching it. I'm happy it's going to be back in the Olympics. And glad to have (Texas Tech) here in Oklahoma City.' Advertisement Red Raiders head coach Gerry Glasco called Mahomes the team's biggest fan, according to a post on X by Texas Tech softball via 'You got a gift from your No. 1 fan, Patrick Mahomes,' Glasco said in a video clip shared on X. '(His) goal is to try and get here in person before this series is over. But he said to go ahead and give you this tonight, because he wants to be sure you get it.' Mahomes also showed his support for Texas Tech during the Super Regional. A video surfaced of him watching the Red Raiders' game during a commercial shoot. Also, Mahomes reportedly played a role in Texas Tech getting Canady with a recruiting call to her. She is a devoted Chiefs fan, according to Related: Chiefs stadium debate takes a twist with bill passage Related: Chiefs' Matt Nagy gushes over Josh Simmons after seeing 'phenomenal' film
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas Tech softball scores big with Patrick Mahomes surprise before WCWS final
The post Texas Tech softball scores big with Patrick Mahomes surprise before WCWS final appeared first on ClutchPoints. Texas Tech Softball has had one prominent fan in their corner during their run at the Women's College World Series. Texas Tech alum Patrick Mahomes has cheered them on since they defeated Oklahoma on Tuesday to advance to the Final against Texas. Advertisement As they prep for Game 3 on Friday, Mahomes provided the team with some softball swag, per J.J. Post of ESPN. Among the items included were new shoes and customized varsity-style jackets. Mahomes has expressed his affinity for Texas Tech pitching sensation NiJaree Canady. Canady had a strong performance in Game 2 of the series. After losing Game 1, Canady redeemed herself to hold off Texas in a 4-3 victory to tie the series at one. She finished with six strikeouts and two walks. On Friday, Canady signed an NIL deal worth seven figures with Texas Tech. The deal was done in conjunction with the Matador Club, the university's NIL collective organization. She is the first softball player to sign a $1 million NIL deal. Advertisement Canady is also a member of Mahomes' Addidas NIL team. He is said to have played a role in convincing Canady to transfer from Stanford to Texas Tech. Texas Tech is looking to win its first Women's College World Series title in program history. Whatever happens, Mahomes will be present and offering his continued support. Patrick Mahomes' passionate support for Texas Tech For all he has achieved with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes never relinquished his uncompromising love for his alma mater. His sitting in on the Women's College World Series or posting it online is a strong indication of his fandom. Red Raiders head coach Gerry Glasco posted a video on the team's X account calling Mahomes their 'No. 1 fan'. He did so, letting the players know about the gifts Mahomes had sent them. Advertisement 'You got a gift from your No. 1 fan, Patrick Mahomes,' Glasco said. 'His goal is to try and get here in person before this series is over. But he said to go ahead and give you this tonight because he wants to be sure you get it.' Mahomes' generosity doesn't stop there. He generously donated $5 million towards the renovation of the football stadium. Related: Texas Tech softball star to make $1.2 million NIL move Related: Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes gushes over Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady amid WCWS
