No. 3 OU (34-3, 8-1 SEC) took two of three games from Louisiana State (23-12, 4-8 SEC) in a tightly contested weekend series, pulling away in key moments to secure the series win.
Here are three takeaways:
Sooner pitching on point in Rocha’s return to the dugout
OU’s longtime pitching coach Jennifer Rocha returned to the dugout this weekend after missing the first 35 games of the season while battling a rare form of cervical cancer, which she has now overcome.
Through the three-game series, OU’s pitching staff was effective. Sophomore Audrey Lowry carried the bulk of the load in the opener, throwing 6.1 innings while allowing two runs on five hits. She worked around five walks but limited damage, inducing 10 groundouts and preventing LSU from stringing together big innings. Her ability to pitch out of traffic kept OU within striking distance before the offense broke through late.
Out of the bullpen, freshman two-way player Allyssa Parker and sophomore pitcher Miali Guachino combined in relief. Parker recorded a quick out before handing things off to Guachino, who earned the win with 1.1 innings of one-hit, scoreless ball.
Even in the 3-1 loss, the staff kept things tight, reinforcing a pattern all weekend of limiting big innings and forcing LSU to manufacture runs rather than capitalize on explosive scoring.
Guachino got the ball again in the final game of the series, throwing 146 pitches in a complete game effort as the Sooners secured an 8-4 win. The sophomore allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out 11, delivering one of her most demanding and effective outings of the season.
With Rocha back in the dugout, OU pitchers will continue rebuilding their rhythm with the longtime coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.
OU offense rebounds in series finale
OU came into Baton Rouge riding a 21-game winning streak, which was extended to 22 after game one but snapped in game two following a 3–1 loss where the bats never found a rhythm.
Game one followed a similar pattern. Through six innings, the Sooners trailed 1–0 and struggled to generate consistent offense, but broke through late with two runs in the seventh to take the lead. OU held on in extra innings to secure the win, despite being held in check for much of the night.
The series finale marked a shift. After totaling just four runs across the first two games, the Sooners erupted for eight runs on ten hits in the finale. OU scored early and continued to apply pressure throughout, stringing together hits and producing runners on base.
OU tallied four home runs in the finale, with one each from junior utility player Ella Parker, sophomore shortstop Gabbie Garcia, redshirt senior catcher Isabela Emerling and the 26th of a historic freshman season from catcher Kendall Wells.
The finale marked a clear shift in production, as the Sooners matched their combined run total from the first two games by the middle innings, closing out the series with their most complete offensive performance of the weekend.
Kendall Wells keeps historic pace
it's K Wells ☝️HR Counter: 26 pic.twitter.com/SMDeAPjwch
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) March 29, 2026
Wells hit her 26th home run of the season, moving within four of the NCAA freshman record of 30.
The freshman’s pace puts her in rare company, not just within the program, but nationally. With 26 home runs, Wells is averaging roughly 0.72 home runs per game, putting her on pace to challenge the record if that rate continues through the remainder of the regular season and into postseason play.
Wells has provided a steady power in the middle of the Sooners’ order, helping create RBI opportunities for her teammates as opposing pitchers adjust their approach around her.
Wells, who’s been compared to the likes of Sooner legends Lauren Chamberlain and Joceyln Alo by head coach Patty Gasso, will continue to try to push towards the freshman home run record with eighteen regular-season games remaining.
Next, the Sooners will face Wichita State, 5 p.m. Tuesday at Love’s Field on the SEC Network.
This story was edited by Laurie Jones.
