In the annals of Sooner softball history, the left-field bleachers of the Women’s College World Series have been witness to some unforgettable moments. From Lisa Carey’s two-run homer against UCLA in the 2000 national championship game to Shay Knighten’s clutch three-run shot against Florida in the marathon 17th inning of the 2017 championship series, and the consistent power displays of Lauren Chamberlain and Jocelyn Alo over the years, these moments have contributed to the legacy of OU softball.
The momentum was in Duke’s favor during Thursday’s WCWS opener at Devon Park, as they held a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, with OU’s ace Kelly Maxwell struggling to find her control. It appeared as though Duke might pull off an upset.
Then, in a span of six batters, Kinzie Hansen, Alynah Torres, and Cydney Sanders each smashed two-run homers into those left-field bleachers, propelling OU to a commanding 9-1 victory in just six innings.
“Momentum plays a significant role,” remarked Torres. “Observing the approach of the batter ahead of you while you’re on deck boosts your confidence and spreads assurance throughout the dugout.”
Maintaining confidence is a natural inclination for these Sooners. Their batting prowess remains formidable; with 116 home runs in 62 games, OU’s hitting prowess is undeniable. If they aim to secure a fourth consecutive NCAA softball championship, their offensive firepower will likely be their ticket to success.
Duke coach Marissa Young inadvertently aided the Sooners by pulling ace left-hander Cassidy Curd after Jayda Coleman’s leadoff single in the third inning. Young reasoned that it was unwise to subject any pitcher to a second encounter with the OU lineup.
However, her strategy backfired. Despite reliever Jala Wright striking out Tiare Jennings and Ella Parker, Hansen unleashed a towering homer, and shortly after, Torres launched another two-run blast following a walk to Alyssa Brito.
In the fourth inning, Rylie Boone’s bunt single was followed by yet another significant moment as Sanders smashed another two-run homer, much to the delight of the predominantly crimson-clad fans in the left-field bleachers.
In a span of just six batters, three home runs electrified the atmosphere.
Sanders emphasized the importance of momentum, acknowledging that it can be sparked by any action, whether it’s a pitch called for a strike, a powerful swing, or simply the energy of the team passing the bat to one another.
Hansen’s initial home run set the stage for what followed.
Sanders and Torres made their entrance together in the summer of 2022, transferring from Arizona State. Torres, who had notched 37 home runs over three seasons with the Sun Devils, experienced a dip in production with just two homers in her previous season with OU. Meanwhile, Sanders, who had a standout rookie season with 22 home runs at ASU, also saw a decline to nine homers in her first year at OU.
Their power output increased this season, with Sanders hitting 14 homers in 49 games and Torres with nine in 50 games. However, until Thursday’s game, Sanders had gone 12 consecutive games without a homer, while Torres had endured an 11-game drought.
The resurgence of these former Sun Devils is pivotal as the Sooners set out on another WCWS journey.
Hansen, the team’s catcher and captain, expressed her pride in Torres and Sanders, acknowledging their hard work and progress.
Transfers to powerhouse programs often face intense scrutiny, and the pressure is magnified during the World Series.
Gasso emphasized that the focus is on performing in the present moment, regardless of past achievements throughout the season.
Since Carey’s iconic home run 24 years ago, OU softball has maintained its momentum, winning seven NCAA championships along the way. The emergence of hitters like Torres and Sanders down the lineup could be crucial for the Sooners’ potential success, both now and in the future.
