Fueled by redemption, Patty Gasso's powerhouse aims for title nine with unfinished business drives a potent lineup and deep pitching staff onto the diamond
The Oklahoma Sooners softball team enters the 2026 season with unfinished business. After dominating the sport with four consecutive national titles from 2021-2024, the Sooners saw their streak snapped last year in the Women's College World Series semifinals.
Now, under legendary head coach Patty Gasso, who is chasing her ninth national championship, No. 3 Oklahoma is poised for another deep postseason run in its second year in the SEC.
The journey begins with a challenging four-game road swing in Arizona. The Sooners face (RV) Arizona State on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7:15 p.m. CT, before heading to Tucson for a three-game set against No. 17 Arizona on Feb. 6-8. All games stream on ESPN+, with Chris Plank calling the action on The Franchise 2 (KEBC 1560 AM and Varsity Radio App).
This marks Oklahoma's first trip to Arizona since 2021, when the Sooners went 5-0 in the state. The series with Arizona State dates to 1979, and this will be their 30th meeting overall—including WCWS clashes in 2011 and 2012 (each team won one).
Arizona native Gabbie Garcia returns home to Chandler, where her mother, Kara Brun, starred at ASU and earned induction into the Sun Devils' Hall of Fame. Against Arizona, the programs share a rich history with eight national titles apiece; OU has won the last three meetings, including a 10-2 run-rule victory in 2022.
Oklahoma's offense remains a juggernaut. The Sooners return a staggering 87.1% of their hits, 85.9% of runs, 84.8% of total bases, 83.6% of RBIs, and 82.6% of their 121 home runs from 2025. They bring back 100 of those long balls, led by Garcia's 20, Kasidi Pickering's 18, Ella Parker's 15, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas' 15, and Isabela Emerling's 12. Four offensive All-Americans return: Parker, Pickering, Garcia, and Abby Dayton.
The dynamic left-handed duo of juniors Pickering and Parker headlines the lineup. Combined, they boast 58 career home runs, 223 RBIs, a .405 average, and elite production. Pickering slashed .392 with 18 homers and 57 RBIs last season, while Parker hit .423 with 15 homers and 53 RBIs.
The infield is nearly intact, with three of four 2025 starters back. Senior Ailana Agbayani returns at second base after winning the program's second Rawlings Gold Glove (.989 fielding percentage). McEnroe-Marinas anchors third, and Garcia handles shortstop—both earned All-SEC honors. The unit set a program record with 31 double plays last year.
On the mound, OU boasts depth with six pitchers. Senior Kierston Deal returns, joined by sophomore Audrey Lowry, freshmen Berkley Zache and Allyssa Parker, plus high-profile SEC transfers: senior Sydney Berzon (LSU: 52-25, 2.02 ERA, 416 strikeouts, multiple All-America nods) and sophomore Miali Guachino (Ole Miss: key to their first WCWS appearance, 14 wins, 160 Ks).
The roster blends 13 returners with eight newcomers, including top talents from the No. 1 2025 recruiting class (Lexi McDaniel, Kai Minor, Allyssa Parker, Kendall Wells, Berkley Zache) and early enrollee Jerrell "Ori" Mailo from the elite 2026 group.Preseason accolades reflect high expectations: Four Sooners—Garcia, McEnroe-Marinas, Parker, and Pickering—made the Preseason All-SEC Team, and OU was picked second in the SEC poll.
Last season's 52-9 campaign included an 18th WCWS appearance (ninth straight), SEC regular-season and shared tournament titles, and strong individual honors. Gasso earned SEC Coach of the Year, while the team produced multiple All-Americans and defenders.
Fan support remains unmatched—2025 home attendance topped 107,813 (nation-leading 3,717 average), and fall ball at Love's Field drew 11,044 fans, including a record 2,837 for one game.
After Arizona, Oklahoma continues in the Southwest at New Mexico State's Troy Cox Classic (Feb. 13-14) and a Feb. 15 game at UTEP.
With elite talent, veteran leadership, and Gasso's championship pedigree, the Sooners are built to reclaim their throne in 2026.
The road starts in the desert, but the destination is Oklahoma City—and another shot at glory.