The reigning four-time national champion Oklahoma softball team is embarking on a new chapter as they prepare for the 2024 fall season. With the graduation of 10 key players and the addition of 13 new faces, the Sooners are facing a significant roster turnover. Here are some things that you’re going to want to know as Oklahoma’s fall season gets underway.
Key Storylines:
- Roster Turnover: Oklahoma must replace a host of key contributors from last season’s championship team. There’s plenty of star power returning, including All-Americans Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering. The team has also added several talented newcomers through transfers and freshmen.
- Pitching Depth: The Sooners lost three of their top four pitchers from last season, creating a need for new options. Returning pitchers Kierston Deal and Payton Monticelli will be key, along with incoming transfers Isabella Smith and Sam Landry. True freshman Audrey Lowry also has high expectations.
- Infielder Stability: Cydney Sanders is expected to return at first base, while Isabella Emerling is a strong option at catcher. The infield positions of second and third base are open for competition among returning players and newcomers.
- Outfield Depth: The outfield is a position of strength for Oklahoma, with returning players like Kasidi Pickering and Maya Bland. Abby Dayton, a transfer from Utah, is also expected to contribute significantly.
The 2024 fall season will be a crucial time for Oklahoma to evaluate their new roster and develop chemistry. Despite the challenges of replacing key players, the Sooners have the talent and coaching staff to remain competitive.
OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL 2024 FALL SCHEDULE
Oct. 2, Oklahoma Battle Series Game One, Norman, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 9, Oklahoma Battle Series Game Two, Norman, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Texas A&M Commerce, Commerce, Texas, 6 p.m.
Oct. 23, Seminole State College, Norman, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, ULM, Norman, Noon
Oct. 26, ULM, Norman, 2:30 p.m.
Oct. 30, MACU, Norman, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 6, Oklahoma Battle Series Game Three, Norman, 6:30 p.m.
Bold indicates home game. Games will be broadcast on SECN+
ROSTER OVERVIEW
DEPARTURES
RHP Karlie Keeney
C Kinzie Hansen
LHP Kelly Maxwell
UTL Riley Ludlam
OF Rylie Boone
RHP Nicole May
INF Tiare Jennings
OF Jayda Coleman
UTL Alyssa Brito
UTL Alynah Torres
INF Avery Hodge (transferred to LSU)
LHP SJ Guerin (transferred to Auburn)
UTL Quincee Lilio (transferred to South Carolina)
ADDITIONS
INF Sydney Barker
INF Gabbie Garcia
C/INF Riley Zache
C/1B Corri Hicks
INF Kadey Lee McKay
C Isabella Emerling (transferred from North Carolina)
INF/RHP Ailana Agbayani (transferred from BYU)
RHP Sam Landry (transferred from Lousiana)
RHP Isabella Smith (transferred from Campbell)
LHP Audrey Lowry
OF Abby Dayton (transferred from Utah)
OF Chaney Helton
UTL Tia Malloy
RETURNERS
OF Maya Bland
OF Hannah Coor
OF Kasidi Pickering
LHP Kierson Deal
RHP Payton Monticelli
INF Nelly McEnroe-Marinas
INF Cydney Sanders
UTL Ella Parker
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