Stanford's Jessica Allister lauds early work from pitcher NiJaree Canady against Oklahoma

Stanford softball coach Jessica Allister couldn’t have been more pleased with the start from star freshman pitcher NiJaree Canady. Canady, one of the best pitchers in the sport as a true freshman, had been battling to quiet the elite Oklahoma offense and was successful in the early stages of their Women’s College World Series opener.

Speaking with ESPN just before the bottom of the fourth and Oklahoma’s offense coming up again, Allister shared what’s working for the pitcher. Through three innings, Canady hadn’t allowed a run and struck out several Sooners batters.

“I think she’s pounding the zone early, I think she’s spinning it late, and just competing like crazy,” Allister said.

Canady was taxed in the first inning, throwing 20 pitches before recording an out. But the freshman got some swings and misses from batters who don’t usually whiff.

And after Allister lauded her pitcher, Canady went out and sat down the Oklahoma hitters in order in the bottom of the fourth. She was aided by a slick catch by Ellee Eck for the third out.

After four innings of work, Canady has allowed one hit on 75 pitches. She has six strikeouts and one base on balls and thrown 60 strikes.

While Canady did her thing in the circle, the Stanford lineup was befuddled by Oklahoma star pitcher Jordy Bahl. With the game tied at zero, Allister thinks he squad just needed to settle in the second time through the order.

“We’re working on settling in. And this is awesome. it’s great to be out here on this stage. I think the first time through we were just a bit sped-up there,” Allister said. “Just working on trying to settle in and put aggressive swings on good pitches.”

In a pitchers duel with Canady, Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso lauded Bahl

Bahl wasn’t close to 100 percent as Oklahoma won the national title last season, but she is healthy and pitching well now.

Sooners coach Patty Gasso told ESPN during Thursday’s showdown that she loves seeing her star pitcher healthy and pitching well.

“Really proud of her. It was crushing last year. At this time last year, it was really crushing for her to not be able to come out and help the team,” Gasso said. “But she’s fought, she’s healthy, she’s on her game. It’s fun to watch her pitch. I’m happy that she’s enjoying this time.”

Bahl, who is a sophomore, entered Thursday’s Women’s College World Series opener 18-1 on the year, with a 1.08 ERA. She was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year this season.

As a freshman in 2022, Bahl was a first-team All-American and named the National Freshman of the Year.