3 stars from Oklahoma Sooners super regional win over Alabama
The Oklahoma Sooners have swept through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, outscoring their opponents 47-5 through five games. The Sooners are playing their best ball of the season in the postseason and haven't lost a game since their trip to Gainesville to end the regular season.
Now, the Sooners head to their home away from home at Devon Park in Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series set to defend their four-straight national titles.
It's been a team effort for the Sooners, who have received contributions from the entire lineup this postseason. From the veterans on the roster to true freshmen, Oklahoma is finding success in the circle and at the plate. Who were the top performers in the Sooners super regional win over Alabama?
Here are the three stars from the weekend.
More: Social media reacts to Oklahoma's 13-2 win over Alabama to advance to WCWS
1. Sam Landry, P
Sam Landry threw a complete game shutout in game one of the series against Alabama. She allowed just six players to reach base and only once did a baserunner reach third base. Landry earned her 24th win of the season, striking out five in the process.
Her effort allowed Patty Gasso to have some flexibility with her game two and three approach if necessary.
Landry has been a star for the Sooners and if Oklahoma is going to win a national title this year, she'll lead the way from the circle.
2. Abigale Dayton, OF
Transfer outfielder Abigale Dayton scored two runs in Oklahoma's game one win on Friday night, one of which came on Kasidi Pickering's two-run home run. On Saturday, Dayton was 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. She's provided strong defense in the outfield but came through in the clutch at the plate.
3. Gabbie Garcia, SS
Oklahoma's true freshman Gabbie Garcia has become a star in her first season in Norman. From playing a strong shortstop to providing power in the middle of the lineup, Garcia has simply become a big-time player in year one with the Sooners. Her two home runs in game two against Alabama gave her 20 homers on the season.
Honorable Mention - Kierston Deal
Oklahoma's pitching had become a point of contention heading into the postseason. Well, in the postseason, the Sooners pitching staff has stepped up, namely the rest of the group beyond Sam Landry. On Saturday, it was Kierston Deal, who provided a strong outing. She threw four innings, allowed three hits and two walks. Though two of the hits were home runs, she was able to mitigate much damage in her outing. Oklahoma needed Deal and company to step up in the postseason, and they've done just that.
Honorable Mention - Ella Parker
Ella Parker was an extra-base machine in Saturday's game two win. All three of her hits went for extra bases (two doubles and a home run), and she had three RBIs. Oklahoma's lineup has been really good in the postseason and Parker has been one of the key catalysts for the Sooners offense.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
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