Oklahoma softball and Alabama softball are scheduled to face each other again in the NCAA super regionals.
The 2025 NCAA Softball Super Regionals are set to showcase a high-stakes matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Oklahoma Sooners. This best-of-three series, beginning Friday, May 23, at 4 PM CT in Norman, Oklahoma, promises to be a thrilling contest between two of college softball’s most storied programs.(Roll ‘Bama Roll)
- Teams: Alabama Crimson Tide (40-21) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (48-7)
- Location: Love’s Field, Norman, Oklahoma
- Schedule:
- Game 1: Friday, May 23 at 4 PM CT on ESPN2
- Game 2: Saturday, May 24
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 25(Roll ‘Bama Roll, University of Oklahoma)
The winner of this series will advance to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, starting May 29. (Roll ‘Bama Roll)
Alabama enters the Super Regionals after securing a 3-2 victory over Virginia Tech to win the Tuscaloosa Regional. The game, delayed several hours due to weather, saw solid pitching from Catelyn Riley, who allowed eight hits and two earned runs over 6.1 innings. Key offensive contributions came from Audrey Vandagriff, Abby Duchscherer, and Lauren Johnson, whose two-run single in the fifth provided the winning margin. Despite giving up a two-run homer in the seventh inning, Alabama held on with Jocelyn Briski closing the game. (Roll ‘Bama Roll)
This marks Alabama’s 19th appearance in the Super Regionals, a testament to the program’s consistency and excellence under head coach Patrick Murphy. (AP News)
Oklahoma, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, boasts a remarkable 48-7 record. The Sooners have been dominant throughout the season, recording 27 run-rule victories and 23 shutouts. Their offense is led by standout players like Cydney Sanders, who has 54 career home runs, and Abby Dayton, who delivered a game-tying home run in a crucial matchup against Tennessee. (University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma)
In the 2024 Women’s College World Series, Oklahoma advanced to the championship series, showcasing their elite status in college softball. (SBNation.com)
A pivotal aspect of this series will be the pitching performances. Alabama’s Catelyn Riley has demonstrated resilience and skill, while Oklahoma’s pitching staff, including ace Jordyn Bahl, has been formidable throughout the season. The outcome of this pitching duel could heavily influence the series’ direction.(Roll ‘Bama Roll
- Alabama’s Strengths:
- Offensive Depth: With players like Abby Duchscherer and Lauren Johnson, Alabama’s lineup is capable of producing runs in various situations.
- Veteran Leadership: Coach Patrick Murphy’s extensive experience provides a tactical edge in high-pressure situations.(Roll ‘Bama Roll, AP News)
- Oklahoma’s Strengths:
- Dominant Pitching: The Sooners’ pitching staff has been exceptional, with multiple shutouts and a low ERA.
- Explosive Offense: Led by power hitters like Cydney Sanders, Oklahoma can change the game with a single swing.(University of Oklahoma)
While Alabama’s experience and resilience make them formidable opponents, Oklahoma’s dominance throughout the season and depth in both pitching and offense give them a slight edge in this matchup. However, in the high-stakes environment of the Super Regionals, anything can happen, and Alabama’s history of success in postseason play cannot be overlooked.
- Game 1: Friday, May 23 at 4 PM CT on ESPN2
- Game 2: Saturday, May 24 (time TBD)
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 25 (time TBD)(Roll ‘Bama Roll)
Fans can follow the action live on ESPN2 and ESPN+ for subsequent games.(Roll ‘Bama Roll)