Patty Gasso reveals how Oklahoma shut down FSU's aggressive offensive approach

Patty Gasso was elated with the way Oklahoma handled the Florida State offense in their victory on Wednesday night.

The Sooners were able to win Game 1 of the Women College World Series finale over the Seminoles by keeping Florida State’s offense at bay. Afterwards, Gasso explained how Oklahoma was able to do so.

“Absolutely,” Gasso answered, asked if Oklahoma prepared specifically for Florida State’s aggressive approach. “I think Jordy was a lot to do with handling that. No, we talked a lot. Like you keep your head up, you look ahead, you think ahead because if you put your head down, they’re gone or they’re going to make you pay. They’re going to try to create chaos, and we understand that. We make us better. I knew Florida State was going to be in this championship, we faced each other before, and we’ve had battles, but they always make us play hard and better. That is just a tribute to them.

“We have to get ready for that. We have to get ready for their pitching staff, who they throw four pitchers in a seven-inning game, so you have to keep switching your mindset, keep switching your plan. It’s tough to prepare for them. They’re the real deal. They’re that good. They really are.”

While Florida State’s offense may be phenomenal, Oklahoma was able to combat them with some fantastic defense throughout. That’s something Gasso made sure to touch on while speaking with the media.

“Well, Jordy is a big part of the defense just by the location of her pitches, keeping them off the base pass,” added Gasso. “Like I said, I think Jayda Coleman’s play was fantastic. I saw Jayda Coleman giving applause to the left fielder on that great catch she made, because that game could likely have been over at that time.

“There’s nothing better than watching. To me, I love hitting, pitching, but I love great defense. I still think defense wins championships.”

Moreover, the Sooners didn’t have to just defeat the Seminoles, they also had to take on the elements, as one hour, 43 minutes of lightning delays hindered their opening-round matchup. Nevertheless, Oklahoma prevailed, and Patty Gasso’s team is one step closer to lifting the trophy.

Oklahoma will hope for a similar end result on Thursday as they take on Florida State in Game 2 of the WCWS at 7:30 p.m. ET airing on ESPN, where they have a chance to take home their third national title.