At Devon Park, formerly known as the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, when the Oklahoma team captain hits a home run, it’s often a dramatic moment, though it has become somewhat routine.
In Thursday’s 9-1 victory over Duke in the opening round of the Women’s College World Series, Hansen repeated the feat, launching her sixth career WCWS home run, which places her third all-time.
Following Hansen’s third-inning homer, Alynah Torres added one of her own.
“We’re just playing freely, enjoying ourselves,” Torres remarked, “recognizing that this is our final week together as a team, and really embracing it, playing without pressure and just having a good time.”
Then came an unexpected turn when Cydney Sanders stepped up.
In the fourth inning, she smashed a two-run homer, igniting the OU offense and leading to a decisive victory on day one.
“I’m thrilled that things clicked for me today,” Sanders commented. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work with my teammates.”
Both Torres and Sanders transferred to Oklahoma before the 2023 season after standout performances at Arizona State. Despite occasional struggles with their offensive statistics over the past two years, their exceptional defensive skills have ensured their place in the lineup.
However, on Thursday, there was no sign of offensive struggles.
“Since their arrival, they’ve been striving to replicate their hitting prowess from their time at Arizona State,” coach Patty Gasso remarked. “What matters most to me is how they perform in critical moments like these. This is where their legacy will be remembered. They have the opportunity for a fresh start this year.”
Sanders had not hit a home run since April 16, with only three in April following her impressive ten in February and March. Her batting average declined from .395 on March 12 to .248 leading into Thursday’s game.
Similarly, Torres hadn’t hit a home run since April 19, with just one since March 28. Despite reaching a batting average of .417 on March 23, her average had steadily declined to .333 prior to the WCWS.
“I’m extremely proud of both of them; they’ve put in a lot of hard work,” Hansen stated. “As Cyd mentioned, that pitching machine was relentless. Alynah has been putting in extra work too. I’m just really happy and proud of them.”
Torres now boasts nine home runs for the season, while Sanders has 14.
Heading into the series, Oklahoma had four batters hitting above .400, with two others nearly reaching that mark, and one just below. Thus, significant offensive contributions from two players who had been struggling is a notable development for Patty Gasso’s formidable lineup.
“The depth of our lineup is incredibly impressive,” Hansen commented. “From one through nine, I believe everyone reached base today, either through a hit or a walk. That demonstrates our consistent work ethic paying off. We challenge ourselves every single day.”
In the early stages of Thursday’s game, the Sooners faced challenges from Duke left-hander Cassidy Curd, managing just three hits in their first 11 at-bats. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils took a 1-0 lead on a home run by Francesca Frelick off OU starter Kelly Maxwell in the second inning.
Needing a momentum shift, the Oklahoma offense found it when Jayda Coleman led off the third inning with a single to center, followed by Hansen’s crucial home run, propelling the Sooners to a 2-1 lead.
After Alyssa Brito walked, Torres extended the lead with a homer, making it 4-1. Sanders then added to the onslaught with her own two-run homer in the fourth inning, expanding the lead to 6-1.
“No one achieves greatness alone,” Hansen emphasized. “Not one person on this team can win the World Series single-handedly. It will take all 21 of us working together and pushing forward.”
The Sooners will face UCLA on Saturday at 2 p.m.
