No. 7 OU (14-2) defeated Alabama State (6-12) 32-0 in an offensive barrage.
Here are takeaways:
OU offense explodes for 32 runs
OU jumped on Alabama State early, scoring 11 runs in the first inning on seven hits and never surrendered the lead. The Sooners finished the night with 32 runs on 23 hits, good for the most runs in a home opener in program history.
There was no slowing the offense down as the Sooners batted around the order in the first. Sophomore shortstop Gabbie Garcia had five runs batted in, along with a first-inning home run.
Juniors Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering continued their dominance, adding six RBIs combined in two at-bats each. The damage included two first-inning doubles that drove in three from Ella Parker and a three-run homer from Pickering in the second.
OU had all 13 batters get into the hit column, including 10 with two. The lineup produced traffic on the bases throughout the night and forced the Hornets’ pitching staff to work from behind early. Every Sooner that got a chance to hit, eventually came around to score in the blowout win.
After the game, head coach Patty Gasso said she was impressed by the complete offensive performance.
“It was really probably one of the best top to bottom offensive games I’ve seen in a long time, if I’ve ever seen one like this,” Gasso said.
Allyssa Parker performs in the circle, the box
Freshman utility player Allyssa Parker got the start on the mound Thursday, where she tallied four strikeouts over three innings of no-run ball. She continues to carve herself a role into the rotation as coach Gasso looks to find capable starters behind sophomore ace Audrey Lowry.
Allyssa Parker faced minimal control problems throughout the game with three walks but ultimately, got out of every jam unscathed as she allowed just two hits. She also helped herself at the plate, ripping a three-run line-drive home run to left field and recorded five RBIs, while scoring four runs.
Allyssa Parker said, going into her Sooner career, she envisioned being a versatile contributor.
“It was my goal to come here and do it all,” Allyssa Parker said.
Gasso said that she’s impressed with the do-it-all nature of Allyssa Parker’s game but admitted at times it can be difficult figuring out where to play her.
“I haven’t had (a player) that can do three things so well. … It’s challenging to know how to use her,” Gasso said.
Allyssa Parker will look to build on her performance on the mound, the plate and the field as her freshman year rolls on.
Kendall Wells continues to shine
Freshman catcher Kendall Wells continued her power surge with two home runs, including a 285-foot shot to left-center field that nearly went out of the stadium to start the scoring in the first inning.
first swing at Love's Field, first home run. @KendallWells__ to the left center concourse! pic.twitter.com/r7NUUNu5zY
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 27, 2026
Gasso compared Wells’ power to the likes of former Sooner greats, Lauren Chamberlain and Jocelyn Alo, on Tuesday.
“Offensively, I’ve seen Jocelyn Alo; (I’ve also) seen Lauren Chamberlain. This is something new. This is different,” Gasso said on Tuesday. “It is some of the most elite power I’ve ever seen from a young player.”
The pair of home runs Thursday marked Wells’ 11th and 12th of the year, while just 16 games into the season.
Wells made her presence felt on the defensive end as well, throwing out a runner trying to steal in the top of the second. Wells' said on Tuesday that she is conscious of her confidence throwing down and behind runners.
“I think that's just how I like to play the game,” Wells said on Tuesday. “That confidence is what keeps me going and makes sure I keep my mentality right. … That’s the way I’ve always played.”
Wells' dominant start to the season has helped bolster an already elite lineup.
Next, the Sooners will face Sam Houston State before a rematch against Alabama State in a doubleheader, beginning at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Love’s Field on SECN+.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
