OU vs. Alabama: A Familiar Softball Showdown
Oklahoma’s coach Patty Gasso knows exactly what her team’s up against in this Super Regional: Alabama, led by Pat Murphy. The two go way back, and Gasso has nothing but respect for how Murphy prepares his team—fast, aggressive, smart on the bases, and always ready to pounce on mistakes.
“They’ll make you pay for every little thing,” she said. “He’s a master motivator.”
Oklahoma, the No. 2 seed, will take on No. 15 Alabama starting Friday at 4 p.m. Game 1 airs on ESPN2, Game 2 on Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN. A Game 3, if needed, will be scheduled later.
The rivalry is real—OU and Bama are almost dead even in their all-time series. Gasso remembers the emotional highs and lows from previous matchups: big wins, heartbreaking losses, and dramatic walk-offs like Shay Knighten’s that once ended Bama’s season.
“It’s always intense,” Gasso said. “These are two teams who know how to battle. It’s gonna be a classic.”
Last time they met, Alabama edged the series 2-1, and Oklahoma’s offense struggled early. Most of their runs came late in the games, and Alabama’s pitchers had them off balance. But OU thinks things will be different this time.
Outfielder Abigale Dayton said the team let emotions get to them during that earlier series. It was a tough road crowd, and they were still figuring things out. Now? Different team, different mindset.
“We’ve grown a lot since then,” she said. “We’re ready now.”
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**Tennessee Baseball Overpowers Alabama in SEC Tournament**
Tennessee’s offense exploded in their SEC Tournament win over Alabama, beating them 15-10 with 20 hits. Almost every player in the lineup got multiple hits. Reese Chapman smashed his 12th homer, and the Vols’ bats were just too hot to handle.
Bama’s coach Rob Vaughn said they were in the game until things unraveled late. They even briefly took the lead, but Tennessee just kept coming.
“That offense was rolling,” Vaughn said. “We fought, but it was too big of a hole.”
Vaughn also talked about the challenges of using Zane Adams, who hadn’t come out of the bullpen all season, and why they didn’t pitch Riley Quick—he’s coming off Tommy John surgery and wasn’t 100%.
“He’s gonna make a lot of money soon, and I’m not risking him,” Vaughn said.
As for hosting a regional, Vaughn believes Alabama’s done enough—17 SEC wins, top-12 RPI, and a strong schedule.
“I think we’ve earned it,” he said. “But it’s up to the committee.”
They’ll now have about 10 days to rest, reset, and get ready for wherever they end up playing next weekend.
