No. 2 Oklahoma beat Abilene Christian 9-1 on Monday at Love’s Field behind a combination of power hitting and timely offense.
The Sooners (14-0) extended their winning streak to 17 games dating back to last season, capping off the Norman Tournament with a 9-1 run-rule victory over Abilene Christian (3-12).
Here are takeaways from the game:Â
Sanders ignites the offense
Senior infielder Cydney Sanders once again proved to be a difference maker for the Sooners, delivering a two-run home run in the third inning to give Oklahoma its first lead of the game. Before that moment, OU’s offense had struggled to find its rhythm, managing just one baserunner in the first two innings. Sanders’ home run not only put the Sooners ahead 2-1 but also set off a four-run inning that shifted momentum entirely in OU’s favor.
It was Sanders’ second home run of the day after she crushed a grand slam in the earlier win over Bowling Green. She finished with seven RBIs across both games, continuing her standout senior season. The slugger has been one of Oklahoma’s most reliable hitters, and her ability to produce in key moments has been a crucial part of the Sooners' early-season success.
Pitching and defense recover after early miscue
Oklahoma’s defense had a shaky start, as an error by junior right-handed pitcher Paytn Monticelli in the first inning allowed ACU to score an early run. But Monticelli quickly settled in, escaping the second inning with the help of a sharp defensive play from Sanders, who tagged out a runner after a deflected ball.
Reliever Isabella Smith took over in the fourth and kept ACU in check, giving up just one hit before retiring the next three batters. Despite the early mistake, OU’s pitching and defense recovered well, keeping the Wildcats off the board for the rest of the game.
Parker seals it with a walk-off
Sophomore utility Ella Parker ensured that Oklahoma did not have to play into the later innings, delivering a two-run walk-off double to enforce the run rule in the fifth. By the time Parker stepped to the plate, OU had already scored twice in the inning thanks to a string of hits and a sacrifice fly. Facing a 3-1 count, Parker drove a pitch into the left-center field gap, bringing home freshman shortstop Gabbie Garcia and redshirt junior catcher Isabela Emerling to end the game.
Parker’s ability to come through in clutch situations has been a highlight for Oklahoma’s offense this season. Her walk-off hit was just the latest example of the team’s depth and ability to manufacture runs when needed. With multiple players contributing to the late-game surge, the Sooners showed they do not have to rely on just one or two key players to win games.
Next, Oklahoma will face Marshall at 1:45 p.m. with Kansas following at 4:15 p.m. on Feb. 28 on SECN+ Simulcast.
What channel is Oklahoma vs. Abilene Christian on today?Â
TV channel: SEC Network+
Start time: 2 p.m.
Location: Love’s Field
Notes: This matchup marks Oklahoma's final game in the Norman Tournament.
Oklahoma Softball schedule
Feb. 6: Oklahoma 7, Cal State Northridge 2
Feb. 6: Oklahoma 11, San Diego State 6 (9 inn.)
Feb. 7: Oklahoma 8, Cal Baptist 0 (5 inn.)
Feb. 7: Oklahoma 13, Cal State Fullerton 3
Feb. 8: Oklahoma 9, Loyola Marymount 0
Feb 9: Oklahoma 2, Long Beach State 0 (11 inn.)
Feb. 15: Oklahoma 8, Hofstra 0 (5 inn.)
Feb. 15: Oklahoma 9, Baylor 1 (5 inn.)
Feb. 16: Oklahoma 11, Hoftsra 3 (5 inn.)
Feb. 16: Oklahoma 8, Baylor 0 (5 inn.)
Feb. 22: Oklahoma 8, Tulsa 0 (5 inn.)
Feb. 23: Oklahoma 8, Wichita State 1
Feb. 24: vs. Bowling Green at 11 a.m. (TV: SECN+ Simulcast)
Feb. 24: vs. Abilene Christian at 2 p.m. (TV: SECN+ Simulcast)
Feb. 28: vs. Marshall at 1:45 p.m. (TV: SECN+ Simulcast)
Feb. 28: vs. Kansas at 4:15 p.m. (TV: SECN+ Simulcast)
March 1: vs. Kansas at 3:15 p.m. (TV: SECN+ Simulcast)
March 1: vs. Marshall at 6 p.m. (TV: SECN+ Simulcast)
March 2: vs. Kansas City at 1:45 p.m. (TV: SECN+ Simulcast)
March 7: vs. South Carolina at 6:30 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 8: vs. South Carolina at 2 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 9: vs. South Carolina at 1:30 p.m. (TV: SECN)
March 12: at Tulsa at 5 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 14: at Arkansas at 6 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 15: at Arkansas at TBA (TV: SECN+)
March 16: at Arkansas at TBA (TV: SECN)
March 19: at East Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 21: at Missouri at 5 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 22: at Missouri at 2 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 23: at Missouri at noon (TV: SECN+)
March 26: at Wichita State at 6 p.m. (TV: TBD)
March 28: vs. Tennessee at 6:30 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 29: vs. Tennessee at 2 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
March 30: vs. Tennessee at 1 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
April 1: at UT Arlington at 6 p.m. (TV: TBD)
April 4: vs. St. Thomas at 4 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
April 4: vs. UCF at 7 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
April 5: vs. UCF at 12:30 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
April 9: at Oklahoma State at 6:30 p.m. (TV: TBD)
April 12: at Alabama at 2:30 p.m. (TV: ESPN2)
April 13: at Alabama at 5 p.m. (TV: SECN)
April 14: at Alabama at 6 p.m. (TV: SECN)
April 18: vs. Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
April 19: vs. Mississippi State at 1 p.m. (TV: SECN)
April 20: vs. Mississippi State at 1 p.m. (TV: SECN+)
April 25: vs. Texas at 5 p.m. (TV: ESPNU)
April 26: vs. Texas at 11 a.m. (TV: ESPN2)
April 27: vs. Texas at 1 p.m. (TV: ESPN2)
May 1: at Florida at 5 p.m. (TV: SECN)
May 2: at Florida at 5 p.m. (TV: SECN)
May 3: at Florida at 2 p.m. (TV: ESPNU)
This story was edited by Josh McDaniel.
PHOTOS: Oklahoma Sooners-Bowling Green Falcons softball
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman pitcher Audrey Lowry, OU softball associate head coach Jennifer Rocha and redshirt junior catcher Isabela Emerling during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
OU softball head coach Patty Gasso and junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman infielder Sydney Barker during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman pitcher Audrey Lowry during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman pitcher Audrey Lowry and senior infielder Cydney Sanders during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Redshirt freshman infielder Nelly McEnroe-Marinas during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman pitcher Audrey Lowry and redshirt freshman infielder Nelly McEnroe-Marinas during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman pitcher Audrey Lowry during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Sooners during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman pitcher Audrey Lowry during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
OU softball head coach Patty Gasso during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Sooners during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Sooners during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Sophomore outfielder Kasidi Pickering during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman utility Tia Milloy during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Redshirt freshman infielder Nelly McEnroe-Marinas during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Redshirt freshman infielder Nelly McEnroe-Marinas during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Sophomore outfielder Kasidi Pickering during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Falcons during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Sooner fan during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior pitcher Kierston Deal during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman infielder Sydney Barker during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman infielder Sydney Barker during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Falcon during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Falcon during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Falcon during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Falcons during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Falcons during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Freshman infielder Sydney Barker during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Bowling Green softball head Michelle Gardner and falcon during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Senior pitcher Sam Landry during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Sophomore utility player Ella Parker during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior outfielder Abigale Dayton during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Senior pitcher Sam Landry during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Junior infielder/pitcher Ailana Agbayani during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
Senior infielder Cydney Sanders during the game against Bowling Green on Feb. 24.
