The 2024 Women’s College World Series delivered instant drama in Thursday’s opening round, and once again, Oklahoma Softball found a way to make history, thrill its fans, and showcase the championship DNA that defines Patty Gasso’s program.
Trailing by two runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, it was Ella Parker — the Sooner sophomore phenom turned postseason superstar — who launched a three-run, walk-off home run to straightaway center field, lifting No. 2 Oklahoma to a stunning 4-3 win over No. 7 Tennessee in front of 11,805 roaring fans at Devon Park.
In a matchup of All-American pitchers, Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens appeared poised to hand Oklahoma a rare opening-round WCWS defeat. But Parker had other plans. With two on and two out, she stepped in against the Volunteers’ ace and blasted an 0-1 pitch 236 feet, triggering a wild celebration as she rounded third with her teammates swarming home plate.
“I wasn’t trying to make the moment too big,” Parker said postgame, blinking back tears. “I just tried to stay focused, stay loose, and trust my team. The emotion when I saw their arms open waiting for me at home — that was something I’ll never forget.”
Parker’s second home run of the game — and 15th of the season — capped a perfect example of Oklahoma’s resilience. It was her solo shot in the bottom of the first inning that initially put the Sooners on the board after Tennessee had jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Her fourth RBI of the game proved to be the dagger, helping Oklahoma (51-7) avoid its first opening-round WCWS loss since 2021 and sending the reigning national champs into a winner’s bracket showdown with arch-rival Texas on Saturday.
A Tale of Two Arms
Thursday’s classic was a duel between two of the country’s elite arms. Pickens, the SEC Pitcher of the Year, and Landry, OU’s stalwart starter all postseason long, went toe-to-toe in a gritty battle that pushed both to the limit.
Landry (24-4) threw 139 pitches in her complete game effort. She allowed eight hits and four walks, struck out two, and gave up three runs — only one of which was earned. The junior right-hander worked through traffic all day, but got timely help from her defense, including three key double plays. The biggest of those came in the top of the seventh, when Landry induced a ground ball with the bases loaded that turned into a game-saving twin killing.
“Those are momentum changers,” Landry said. “We work on those plays all the time, and to see them happen in a moment like that — it just shows what this team is about.”
Pickens (24-10) was brilliant through six and two-thirds innings, giving up just five hits while striking out eight and walking four. She danced around trouble repeatedly, keeping Oklahoma off balance with a fastball that hovered in the low 70s and an off-speed arsenal that buckled knees.
But she couldn’t solve Parker.
“It’s extreme belief in herself and extreme focus,” Gasso said of Parker. “She’s not trying to hit it out — she’s just trying to square it up. And when she does that, she’s dangerous.”
Tennessee Starts Fast
It was Tennessee that struck first, wasting no time getting to Landry in the top of the first. Gabby Leach singled and came around to score after Taylor Pannell doubled and a passed ball allowed her to cross home. A sacrifice fly from former Sooner Sophia Nugent gave the Vols an early 2-0 cushion.
Oklahoma responded in the bottom half, with Parker depositing a Pickens fastball into the right-field bleachers to make it 2-1. But Tennessee stayed aggressive. In the third inning, Ella Dodge scored on a close play at the plate after McKenna Gibson’s single to left was mishandled momentarily, stretching the lead to 3-1.
From there, both teams settled into a tense rhythm. Landry weaved in and out of danger thanks to sharp infield defense and well-executed pitches, while Pickens kept OU’s powerful lineup from doing damage — until the seventh.
OU’s Clutch Defense
If Parker was the hero at the plate, Oklahoma’s defense delivered when it mattered most.
In the second inning, a rundown executed by catcher Isabela Emerling, first baseman Cydney Sanders, and third baseman Nelly McEnroe-Marinas prevented a run and helped erase a second-and-third, one-out situation. In the fifth, center fielder Hannah Coor made a terrific grab on a line drive and doubled off Pannell at first. And in the seventh, with Tennessee threatening to add insurance, it was McEnroe-Marinas who started the inning-ending double play that kept the Sooners within striking distance.
“Defense wins championships,” Gasso said. “We take as much pride in that as we do in hitting home runs. The players made winning plays in key moments.”
A Familiar Foe Awaits
The win sets up a highly anticipated clash between OU and Texas in the winner’s bracket. The Longhorns blanked Florida 3-0 in Thursday’s opener and have been one of the most consistent teams in the country this season.
OU swept Texas in their three game conference series, played at Love’s Field, late last month. Now, with a spot in the WCWS semifinals on the line, the Red River rivalry will be played out on the sport’s biggest stage.
“Texas is really good. We’re really good,” Gasso said. “That’s what this tournament is about — the best against the best.”
Another Chapter in OU’s Dynasty Run
The victory pushed Oklahoma to 51-7 on the year and reinforced the team’s reputation for thriving in tight postseason moments. The Sooners are chasing their fifth straight national title and sixth in the last eight tournaments — and wins like Thursday’s only add to their legend.
For a team that’s had to fight through more adversity than usual this season — including a trio of SEC series losses, including regular-season defeats to these same Tennessee Volunteers — the comeback felt like a statement.
“This team never quits,” Parker said. “We believe in each other. And when it gets tough, we don’t shrink. We rise.”
On Thursday afternoon, Oklahoma rose once again — and thanks to Parker’s unforgettable walk-off swing, they’re one step closer to another championship.
Up Next: Oklahoma (51-7) will face No. 6 Texas (52-11) in the WCWS winner’s bracket semifinal at 2 p.m. CT Saturday at Devon Park. The winner advances to Monday’s semifinal round.
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