At the midway point of the 2024 season, the Oklahoma softball team boasts an impressive record of 31-1, solidifying their position as the dominant force in college softball for the past three years.
However, the team faced an unexpected setback when they suffered a surprising loss at home to a seemingly lesser opponent, the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, who held a record of 21-13. This raised doubts among popular media and social media users, questioning whether the 2024 OU softball team is as formidable as anticipated or if they are more vulnerable than in previous seasons.
The truth is that the Sooners remain a formidable force, armed with a potent offensive lineup that excels across the board. They also possess a pitching staff comprising exceptional starters, making them one of the top teams in the nation. Furthermore, their defensive prowess and ability to avoid costly errors contribute to their overall strength.
If you require further convincing, consider the following evidence that supports their dominance:
Since their loss to Louisiana on March 3, the Sooners have gone on a 13-0 winning streak (9-0 in the Big 12). Within this period, they have achieved impressive victories, including eight run-rule wins, four shutouts, and five games where they allowed only one run.
Oklahoma currently leads all NCAA Division I softball teams in batting average (.394 as a team, with seven players hitting .400 or higher), on-base-plus-slugging percentage (1.226), and on-base percentage (.493). They also rank in the top three nationally in slugging percentage (2nd, .733), home runs (2nd, 68), runs per game (2nd, 9.12), shutouts (2nd, 15), and hold the third-highest fielding percentage (.933). Additionally, they are ranked fifth in the country for earned run average (1.39).
The team’s veteran starting pitchers, Kelly Maxwell and Nicole May, stand out in the conference, ranking second and fifth with 10 and nine wins, respectively, and both maintaining unbeaten records.
Considering Oklahoma’s history and reputation, they consistently face strong opposition on the softball diamond. Despite this, it is remarkable that the Sooners achieved an incredible 71 consecutive wins spanning the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Ultimately, it is up to you to judge whether the defending champions of 2024, both nationally and in the Big 12, are any less formidable or motivated compared to previous years.
Looking ahead to their upcoming games, the Sooners are about to embark on a crucial seven-game road trip that will provide insights into their capabilities this season. Their first stop is against the Kansas Jayhawks, who have emerged as a surprise team in the Big 12 with an overall record of 22-8 and a conference record of 7-2, placing them tied for third. Kansas has demonstrated their strength by winning 19 of their last 22 games, including three-game sweeps against the then No. 13 Baylor and Houston. The Jayhawks recently entered the top 25 of the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll, currently ranked at No. 24.
The Oklahoma Sooners have established their dominance over the Kansas Jayhawks, having won 19 consecutive games against them. In fact, the Sooners hold a significant advantage in the all-time series, leading with a record of 78-44. When playing in Lawrence, Oklahoma maintains a solid 26-12 record.
Oklahoma’s offensive prowess is evident as they currently lead the Big 12 in hitting with an impressive team average of .394. On the other hand, the Jayhawks find themselves at the bottom of the league, trailing with a batting average of .278, which is 106 points lower than the Sooners’ average. The Sooner pitching staff ranks second in the conference, boasting a collective ERA of 1.39. In contrast, the Kansas pitchers hold the fourth-best ERA in the Big 12, standing at 2.22.
Heading into the series with Kansas, the Sooners carry an impressive track record. They have emerged victorious in 100 of their last 102 games against Big 12 opponents and have secured 56 consecutive Big 12 series wins.
