OU softball head coach Patty Gasso spoke to the media on Tuesday as the No. 7 Sooners (13-2) are preparing for a six-game weekend after weeks of travel.
Here are key takeaways:
OU excited for upcoming home games
After another week on the road, the Sooners finally return home and will host games for the next three weekends.
OU softball head coach Patty Gasso on returning home after 15 away games
Following a successful 5-1 showing at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, OU looks to build on the success with a series of games starting Thursday against Alabama State (6-11).
Gasso, along with Sooner players, are excited to play in front of their home fans for the first time this season.
“We cannot wait,” Gasso said. “We’re exhausted to be honest, (after) playing a lot of games on the road.”
Thursday’s game will be the Sooners’ first of six games in a row playing at Love’s Field. The extended home stand provides OU with a chance to settle into a routine after opening the season almost entirely away from Norman. Gasso was adamant about her players truly feeling at home after weeks on the road.
“I told them, put your suitcases away,” Gasso said. “Get your suitcase out of your sight and let’s know that we’re home for three weekends.”
At the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, OU showcased flashes of dominance, particularly against ranked opponents, including wins over No. 14 Duke and No. 23 Washington. The Sooners will aim to carry momentum from the wins into a busy six-game stretch.
Freshman Kendall Wells receives high praise
Freshman catcher Kendall Wells has had a hot start to her first year in crimson and cream, slashing .354 from the plate with a team-leading 10 home runs and 21 runs batted in.
Her power has provided an early spark in the middle of the lineup, providing consistent run production despite being new to the collegiate level. Wells has shown poise beyond her years, delivering timely hits and power that Gasso compared to Sooner greats.
“Offensively, I’ve seen Jocelyn Alo, (I’ve also) seen Lauren Chamberlain. This is something new. This is different,” Gasso said. “It is some of the most elite power I’ve ever seen from a young player.”
With comparison to two of the Sooners’ most prolific sluggers, Wells will look to build on her strong start as she continues to lean on senior catcher Isabella Emerling. Wells credits Emerling for pushing her to be a better player.
“Me and Bella definitely feed off each other in our work,” Wells said. “We’re always just working together, so we’re different. (It’s) like a competition, but just pushing each other to be the best version of ourselves.”
Emerling is having a productive season herself, batting .419 with five home runs and 13 RBIs and remains a veteran presence for Wells as the season progresses.
OU still figuring out pitching rotation
With sophomore starter Audrey Lowry seemingly locked into the Sooners’ ace role to begin the year, the team saw some new pitchers step up in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.
Sophomore Miali Guachino and senior Sydney Berzon played key roles in OU’s 5-1 weekend. Guachino threw 10 innings over the six-game tournament and has a 4-0 record on the season with a 2.82 ERA. Berzon started against California and threw 4.2 innings, allowing just one run as the Sooners overcame a 4-2 deficit for the victory.
The two provide optimism for a Sooner rotation aiming to avoid a repeat of last season’s workload in the circle, when now AUSL No. 1 overall pick Sam Landry logged 191.2 innings. With more balance emerging across the lineup, OU appears better positioned to distribute innings and maintain effectiveness deep into the season.
“I love Sam Landry, and she did a phenomenal job for us. I just don’t want to put (another) pitcher through that,” Gasso said. “We’re really trying to have as many aces as we can get in one pitching staff.”
The Sooners will continue to search for the best option behind Lowry as both Guachino and Berzon compete for the No. 2 role.
Next, OU will host Alabama State in its home opener at 6 p.m. Thursday at Love’s Field on SECN+.
This story was edited by Laurie Jones.
