No. 3 OU (4-1) won its first series of the year 2-1 after a 5-4 victory over No. 18 Arizona (3-2).
Here are takeaways:
Sooners win first series of 2026 campaign
A day after the Sooners scored 21 runs in a five-inning mercy rule, OU kept the momentum going with its second comeback win of the season on the backs of freshman catcher Kendall Wells and sophomore shortstop Gabbie Garcia.
The Sooners outhit the Wildcats eight to four, including a seventh-inning flurry to secure the victory. Wells initiated the flurry with a game-tying home run before Garcia went back-to-back to take the lead.
a pair for G² 💣💣GG and KW go back-to-back! pic.twitter.com/vSqgXYxbcS
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 8, 2026
With the win, the Sooners captured their first series victory of the 2026 season.
Kendall Wells continues to shine
Wells continues to make a statement as she enters college softball.
In her first four games, she hit a game-tying home run and a game-winning homer in the sixth inning or later in two outings against different opponents. Sunday’s homer puts Wells at four of 14 at the plate this season with two runs batted in, two home runs and four runs scored.
ya that's right 😤KW TIE GAME. pic.twitter.com/vE987K5mbz
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 8, 2026
The former top prospect has cemented herself as a threat in an already dangerous Sooner lineup.
Audrey Lowry continues to find her way
Sophomore pitcher Audrey Lowry has continued to find her way in the circle for OU and stepped up after senior pitcher Kierston Deal’s early mistakes against Arizona Sunday.
Lowry entered in relief in the second inning after early walks proved costly for Deal, who lasted one inning after allowing four earned runs on four walks and hitting two batters. She has boasted a sub-one earned run average with only one earned run on her ledger as she looks to take over control of the team's No. 1 pitching spot.
Lowry has now guided the Sooners through two comeback wins, providing consistency in the circle while the offense works its way back into games. Lowry will continue trying to cement herself as a potential ace as OU’s season progresses.
Next, OU will take on Montana and New Mexico State in a doubleheader, beginning 11 a.m. Friday at the New Mexico State University Softball Complex on ESPN+.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
