No. 2 Oklahoma beat Cal State Northridge on Thursday 7-2 at SDSU Softball Stadium behind a strong offensive performance.
The Sooners (1-0) overcame an early deficit to secure a 7-2 win against the Matadors (0-1) in their season opener, relying on late offensive production and dominant relief pitching.
Here are takeaways and highlights from the game:
Pickering delivers at the plate
Sophomore outfielder Kasidi Pickering played a key role in Oklahoma’s offensive breakthrough. Her triple in the fifth inning brought home sophomore utility player Ella Parker to give the Sooners a 3-2 lead. A defensive miscue on the play allowed Pickering to score, extending the advantage to two runs.
Do your thing, @PickeringKasidi 👏3B + the throw brings her home! pic.twitter.com/bZQbH2nBgS
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 7, 2025
She later added an RBI single in the sixth, contributing to Oklahoma’s three-run inning. Pickering finished 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored in her collegiate debut.
Smith shuts down Northridge
After junior starting pitcher Kierston Deal allowed two runs across 3 2/3 innings, redshirt senior pitcher Isabella Smith took over in relief and dominated. The right-hander retired all 10 batters she faced, recording five strikeouts without allowing a baserunner.
Smith’s efficiency stabilized the game for Oklahoma, preventing Cal State Northridge from generating any late offensive momentum. Her performance highlighted the Sooners’ depth in the circle as they transition to a new pitching rotation this season.
Parker produces in first start
Parker provided a strong offensive contribution, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs. In the fifth inning, she drove in junior outfielder Abby Dayton with a double to tie the game at 2-2. She added another two-run double in the sixth, helping the Sooners build a 6-2 lead.
.@ellaparkerrr_ providing the insurance!3 RBI day for Ella! pic.twitter.com/q2nMbE2RK4
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 7, 2025
Parker’s production reinforced the impact of Oklahoma’s newcomers in the lineup as the Sooners opened the season with a win.
Beginning at 8 p.m., Oklahoma will continue play Thursday night against San Diego State in the second game of its doubleheader.
What channel is Oklahoma vs. Cal State Northridge on today?
TV channel: SoonerSports.com
Start time: 5:30 p.m. CST
Location: SDSU Softball Stadium
Notes: This is Oklahoma’s first game of the season, streaming live on SoonerSports.com. The Sooners look to kick off their title defense with a strong start against Cal State Northridge.
What channel is Oklahoma vs. San Diego State on today?
TV channel: Mountain West Network
Start time: 8 p.m.
Location: SDSU Softball Stadium
Notes: This is Oklahoma’s second game of the day and season, following its matchup against Cal State Northridge. The Sooners look to begin their season with a solid showing in back-to-back games.
Oklahoma softball schedule
Feb. 6: vs. Cal State Northridge in San Diego at 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 6: at San Diego State at 8 p.m.
Feb. 7: vs. Cal Baptist in Fullerton, California, at 3 p.m.
Feb. 7: at Cal State Fullerton at 8 p.m.
Feb. 8: at Loyola Marymount at 5 p.m.
Feb. 9: at Long Beach State at 1 p.m.
Feb. 15: vs. Hofstra at Waco, Texas, at 12 p.m.
Feb. 15: at Baylor at 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 16: vs. Hofstra at Waco, Texas, at 10 a.m.
Feb. 16: at Baylor at 3 p.m.
Feb. 20: vs. Abilene Christian at 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 20: vs. Wichita State at 4 p.m.
Feb. 21: vs. Abilene Christian at 4 p.m.
Feb. 22: vs. Bowling Green at 4 p.m.
Feb. 23: vs. Tulsa at 1:30 p.m.
Feb 28: vs. Marshall at 1:45 p.m.
Feb. 28: vs. Kansas at 4:15 p.m.
March 1: vs. Kansas at 3:15 p.m.
March 1: vs. Marshall at 6 p.m.
March 2: vs. Kansas City at 1:45 p.m.
March 7: vs. South Carolina at 6:30 p.m.
March 8: vs. South Carolina at 2 p.m.
March 9: vs. South Carolina at 1:30 p.m.
March 12: at Tulsa at 5 p.m.
March 14: at Arkansas at 6 p.m.
March 15: at Arkansas at TBA
March 16: at Arkansas at TBA
March 19: at East Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m.
March 21: at Missouri at 5 p.m.
March 22: at Missouri at 2 p.m.
March 23: at Missouri at 12 p.m.
March 26: at Wichita State at 6 p.m.
March 28: vs. Tennessee at 6:30 p.m.
March 29: vs. Tennessee at 2 p.m.
March 30: vs. Tennessee at 1 p.m.
April 1: at UT Arlington at 6 p.m.
April 4: vs. St. Thomas at 4 p.m.
April 4: vs. UCF at 7 p.m.
April 5: vs. UCF at 12:30 p.m.
April 9: at Oklahoma State at 6:30 p.m.
April 12: at Alabama at 2:30 p.m.
April 13: at Alabama at 5 p.m.
April 14: at Alabama at 6 p.m.
April 18: vs. Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m.
April 19: vs. Mississippi State at 1 p.m.
April 20: vs. Mississippi State at 1 p.m.
April 25: vs. Texas at 5 p.m.
April 26: vs. Texas at 11 a.m.
April 27: vs. Texas at 1 p.m.
May 1: at Florida at 5 p.m.
May 2: at Florida at 5 p.m.
May 3: at Florida at 2 p.m.
This story was edited by Josh McDaniel.
