The softball world will set its sights on Lawrence, Kansas this week as the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners (31-1, 9-0 Big 12) travel to take on the No. 24 Kansas Jayhawks (22-8-1, 7-2 Big 12) in a crucial Big 12 conference series.
The Sooners, boasting a dominant record and currently on a 13-game winning streak, look to extend their undefeated run in conference play. Oklahoma’s offense has been a juggernaut, averaging over eight runs per game. The pitching staff has been equally impressive, and currently has the second lowest ERA in the Big 12.
OU leads the all-time series 78-44 with a 26-12 mark in Lawrence and a 67-13 record under head coach Patty Gasso. The Sooners have won 19 straight games against KU including a three-game sweep at home last April.
Kansas, ranked in the Top 25 this week, presents a significant challenge. The Jayhawks are currently in third place in the Big 12 and boast a strong record at home. They’ll be looking to pull off an upset against the top-ranked Sooners.
Campbell Bagshaw is the Jayhawks’ leading hitter, carrying a .317 average into the week with five doubles, two home runs and 24 RBIs. Hailey Cripe has driven in 23 with a KU-best seven doubles and hits .309 while Lyric Moore bats .307 and leads the club with five home runs. The Kansas lineup bats .278 as a team while scoring 4.77 runs per game.
Katie Brooks and Kasey Hamilton combine to form a formidable pair, anchoring the Kansas pitching staff. Brooks is 10-2 with a 1.89 ERA, striking out 53 and walking 46 over 74.0 innings of work. She has yet to allow a home run this season, limiting opponents to a .246 average. Hamilton has fanned 71 and walked 37 across 101.1 innings, going 9-5 with a 2.28 ERA and a .207 batting average against.
Key Storylines:
- Can Oklahoma continue its dominant stretch and remain undefeated in conference play?
- Will Kansas be able to defend their home field and challenge the Sooners?
- Pitching matchup: How will Kansas’ pitching staff fare against Oklahoma’s potent offense?
Series Schedule:
- Thursday, March 28th: 5:00 PM CT (ESPN+)
- Friday, March 29th: 5:00 PM CT (ESPN+)
- Saturday, March 30th: 12:00 PM CT (ESPN+)
This three-game series promises to be a battle between two of the top teams in the Big 12. The outcome could have major implications for the conference standings and potentially the national rankings.