The Oklahoma Sooners ran the table of the Big 12 Tournament. Hosted by ASA Stadium — the site of the Women’s College World Series — OU squared off against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls for all the marbles. Refusing the give up a run, Paige Parker and the rest of the gang claimed a 2-0 shutout win and the title.
Through four and a half innings, both programs remained scoreless. However, the drought was broken in the bottom of the fifth.
Consistently stepping up in crucial moments, Fale Aviu doubled as the lead off in the bottom half of the inning. Bringing in a pinch runner, Patty Gasso hoped to pressure the Cowgirls. Yet, it wasn’t absolutely necessary as Nicole Pendley homered over the left center wall. Recording two RBIs, the shot over the fence proved to be the deciding factor in a close battle.
After securing the first out of the sixth inning, Oklahoma brought in Paige Lowary to close out the game. Facing the final batter of the evening, Lowary tossed a pitch that whizzed by for a third strike. Earning the save, Oklahoma’s defense walked off the field.
Aithout giving up a run during tournament play, Oklahoma claimed the first conference tournament championship after a six year absence of event. The occasion marks the second consecutive for OU even though the first was won back in 2010.