Explosive Oklahoma Sooners freshman Lexi McDaniel crushes four homers and drives in 12, earning national freshman of the week honors
Oklahoma Sooners softball freshman Lexi McDaniel has quickly emerged as one of the most explosive newcomers in college softball this season. On Tuesday, March 3, she capped off an incredible week by earning national recognition as D1Softball Freshman of the Week. This honor follows her selection as SEC Softball Freshman of the Week announced by the league on Monday, March 2, highlighting her dominant performance during the Sooners' home-opening weekend at Love's Field.
McDaniel, a right-handed infielder hailing from St. Joseph, Missouri, has been a key contributor to Oklahoma's powerhouse lineup from the start. Her breakout weekend was nothing short of spectacular. Across five games (with the Sooners playing six total), she led the team with a scorching .769 batting average, going 10-for-13 at the plate.
She smashed four home runs—including a dramatic grand slam—and drove in 12 RBI while scoring 11 runs. Her slugging percentage soared to 1.769, underscoring her ability to deliver extra-base power in nearly every at-bat.
Among her standout moments was a 4-for-4 performance against Alabama State on February 27, where she launched two home runs in the game. The very next day, February 28, she added a grand slam during an historic inning where the Sooners erupted for a program-record 21 runs in a single frame.
In that same inning, teammate Abby Dayton also hit a grand slam, tying an NCAA record for the most grand slams in one inning by a team. McDaniel's power surge was part of an offensive explosion that saw Oklahoma score a staggering 116 runs and blast 30 home runs over the six-game stretch—all resulting in run-rule victories.
On the season, McDaniel leads the Sooners with a team-best .556 batting average (20-for-36) through early action. She has tallied five home runs and 17 RBI, showcasing her consistency and clutch ability. Notably, she has delivered in key situations, including a pivotal pinch-hit home run in a 13-3 win over Sam Houston State on February 27—her second pinch-hit homer of the young season.
McDaniel's success is even more impressive in the context of Oklahoma's talented freshman class. She joins classmates Kendall Wells, Kai Minor, and Allyssa Parker in making immediate impacts. Wells earned Softball America Freshman of the Week honors last week, while both McDaniel and Minor have claimed SEC Freshman of the Week accolades this season.
Together, this quartet has combined for 32 of the team's 86 home runs so far, leading Oklahoma in multiple offensive categories and proving the depth of the incoming talent under head coach Patty Gasso.
The Sooners' dominance this weekend not only boosted their record but also reinforced their status as one of the most feared offenses in the nation. With freshmen like McDaniel stepping up in big ways, Oklahoma continues to build on its championship pedigree.
The Sooners return to action tonight in non-conference play against North Texas, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. CST and streaming available on ESPN+. Fans can expect more fireworks from this dynamic freshman group as the season progresses.
McDaniel's rapid rise from high school standout (where she was an all-time leader in hits, home runs, RBIs, and runs scored with Aces Fastpitch) to national award winner highlights why she was a highly touted recruit and a preseason freshman watch list name. Her power, plate discipline, and ability to perform under the spotlight are already paying dividends for the Sooners.