The Oklahoma Sooners softball team has been awarded the No. 2 overall seed in the 2024 NCAA Division I Softball Championship, securing the opportunity to host the Norman Regional at Love’s Field in Norman, Oklahoma, from May 17 to 19. Under the leadership of head coach Patty Gasso, the Sooners enter the tournament as the three-time defending national champions and aim to continue their dominance in the sport.
Oklahoma’s impressive season record of 49–6, including a 22–5 mark in Big 12 Conference play, earned them the top seed in the regional. The Sooners’ journey to the postseason began with a strong performance in the Big 12 Tournament, where they secured the championship with a 5–1 victory over No. 1 Texas. This win not only highlighted their prowess on the field but also bolstered their confidence heading into the NCAA Tournament.
As the No. 2 seed, Oklahoma will face Cleveland State in the opening game of the Norman Regional on Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m. CT, broadcast on ESPNU. Cleveland State earned its spot in the tournament by winning the Horizon League Tournament, boasting a 22–24 overall record. The matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the Sooners and the Vikings, adding an element of intrigue to the contest.
The other teams in the Norman Regional include Oregon and Boston University, who will play each other in the first game of the regional at 4:30 p.m. CT on Friday. Oregon enters the tournament with a 28–19 record, while Boston University boasts an impressive 52–4–1 record, making them a formidable opponent. Notably, Oregon’s head coach, Melyssa Lombardi, is a former assistant coach under Gasso, adding a personal connection to the matchup.
The double-elimination format of the regional ensures that each team has a chance to advance, with the winner of the Norman Regional progressing to the Super Regional round. Should Oklahoma emerge victorious, they would host the winner of the Tallahassee Regional, which features No. 15 seed Florida State, in the Super Regional at Love’s Field from May 23 to 25. This would mark the 14th consecutive appearance in the Super Regional for the Sooners, underscoring their consistent excellence in postseason play.
Oklahoma’s dominance in the NCAA Tournament is well-documented, with the team having secured multiple national championships in recent years. Their most recent triumph came in 2024, when they clinched their fourth consecutive Women’s College World Series title, becoming the first team in college softball history to achieve such a feat. This historic achievement solidified their status as a powerhouse in the sport and set a high standard for future teams.
The Sooners’ success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including exceptional coaching, talented players, and a strong team culture. Under Gasso’s guidance, the team has developed a reputation for its disciplined approach to the game, emphasis on fundamentals, and ability to perform under pressure. These attributes have been instrumental in their sustained success and will be crucial as they embark on their quest for another national title.
As the tournament progresses, the Sooners will face stiff competition from other top-seeded teams, including Texas A&M, Florida, and Tennessee. However, Oklahoma’s track record in high-stakes games and their depth of talent position them as strong contenders for the championship. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the team’s performance, eager to see if they can continue their legacy of excellence.
The Norman Regional at Love’s Field promises to be an exciting and competitive start to the NCAA Tournament. With Oklahoma leading the charge as the No. 2 seed, the stage is set for a thrilling postseason run. As the Sooners take the field, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of their supporters, aiming to add another chapter to their storied history in college softball.
