Patty Gasso Makes History Again as Oklahoma Defeats Texas for Softball National Championship.
Patty Gasso always seems to make the right calls. Even when options seem limited, the Oklahoma coach finds a way to make things work. Thursday night against Texas, Gasso pulled off a masterstroke.
The Sooners, under their Hall of Fame coach, secured their eighth national championship — their fourth consecutive title, an unprecedented achievement in college softball — with an 8-4 victory over Texas in the Women’s College World Series.
Despite a roster filled with 10 seniors, five All-Americans, and immense talent, Gasso made some surprising decisions. She chose pitchers from deep in the bullpen, opted for a young player over a healthy starter at second base, and stuck with a struggling veteran who ultimately delivered the game’s biggest hit.
Gasso shocked the softball world — and certainly the top-seeded Longhorns — by starting Karlie Keeney as pitcher. Texas likely had little scouting on Keeney, who had a 6-1 record with a 1.66 ERA and only four starts this season, none since May 5. Her only recent appearance was a brief stint against Florida in the WCWS.
Keeney, though relatively inexperienced with just 59 innings this season, stepped up to the challenge, allowing two runs over 2 2/3 innings despite four hits and four walks. Gasso then called upon Paytn Monticelli, who had pitched just 19 innings all season, to get a crucial out and halt a Texas rally.
In another bold move, Gasso started sophomore Avery Hodge at second base over senior Alynah Torres. Hodge, who had excelled in the WCWS with timely defensive plays and clutch hits, was preferred over Torres, who had just returned from an injury.
Hodge made a pivotal play in the sixth inning to maintain the lead, showing quick thinking and execution. Meanwhile, Cydney Sanders, whom Gasso trusted in a crucial at-bat, delivered a bases-clearing double to give the Sooners a decisive lead.
Ace Kelly Maxwell then closed the game, securing the championship for Oklahoma. Key contributions came from Jayda Coleman, Rylie Boone, Kinzie Hansen, Alyssa Brito, Kasidi Pickering, and Ella Parker, each playing vital roles in the victory.
Oklahoma’s dominance seemed inevitable after Wednesday’s 8-3 win. Texas hasn’t beaten the Sooners in Oklahoma since 2014. With players like Keeney, Monticelli, Hodge, and Sanders making significant contributions, Texas had little chance.
The Sooners’ sustained success is unmatched in college softball. Gasso’s eight national titles — tied for second all-time with Arizona — have come over 25 years, with the last seven in just 12 years, including an unprecedented four consecutive championships.
Gasso, now tied with Arizona’s Mike Candrea and UCLA’s Sharon Backus for the most college softball championships, has firmly established herself as the greatest coach in the sport’s history.
