Oklahoma Softball continued its dominant start to the 2025 season with an 8-0 run-rule victory over East Texas A&M on Wednesday night at Love’s Field. The No. 1-ranked Sooners (27-0) relied on a combined no-hitter from Isabella Smith, Kierston Deal, and Paytn Monticelli while overcoming blustery conditions to secure their 14th run-rule win of the year.
Historic Night for Oklahoma Softball
The game marked a historic milestone for the Oklahoma Sooners softball program, coming exactly 50 years after its first-ever contest—a 3-1 win over Oklahoma Baptist on March 19, 1975. OU honored past players in a special pregame ceremony, with Mary Williams, the first pitcher in program history, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
Oklahoma Softball Pitching Dominates
Smith, Deal, and Monticelli combined to blank the Lions over five innings, issuing just one walk while striking out six. Smith set the tone with two perfect innings, retiring all six batters she faced, while Deal worked a quick third inning on just eight pitches. Monticelli closed out the game, allowing only one baserunner via a walk in the fourth but striking out two to finish off the combined no-hitter—OU’s 75th in program history.
Oklahoma Softball Offense Stays Hot
The Sooners wasted no time putting runs on the board, plating three in the first inning. Gabbie Garcia and Sydney Barker delivered RBI singles before Ailana Agbayani executed a perfect squeeze bunt to bring home another run.
OU added a run in the second when Agbayani drew a bases-loaded walk, capitalizing on East Texas A&M’s struggles to find the strike zone. The floodgates opened in the third, as Oklahoma tacked on four more runs to set up the run-rule finish. Nelly McEnroe-Marinas doubled home a run, Garcia continued her torrid hitting streak with another RBI single, and two more runs scored on a misplayed fly ball in center field.
Garcia shined at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs to extend her hitting streak to 13 games. McEnroe-Marinas contributed a 2-for-3 effort with two runs and an RBI, while Barker chipped in with two RBIs of her own.
Postgame Reactions from Coach Patty Gasso
Despite the lopsided victory, head coach Patty Gasso acknowledged the challenges posed by the gusty conditions and praised her team’s resilience.
“It’s hard to play in those conditions,” Gasso said. “It’s a testimony to our team’s preparation and their willingness to battle through whatever’s thrown at them. I appreciate East Texas A&M for coming out and competing.”
The game also provided an opportunity for depth players to gain valuable experience. Corri Hicks made her first career start behind the plate, and Gasso was able to rest key contributors like Ella Parker and Cydney Sanders without sacrificing performance.
What’s Next for Oklahoma Softball?
The Sooners will hit the road for a three-game SEC series against Missouri, beginning Friday in Columbia. Oklahoma will look to remain unbeaten as they face an old conference rival, with all three games set to stream on SEC Network+.
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