Kelly Maxwell delivers a gem in OU softball victory
If you’re wondering who might be the ace for OU softball, just stop. Kelly Maxwell has been cementing herself in that spot the last month.
One conference start after another, and Maxwell is pitching with some next-level confidence. She took it to another level in a 6-1 victory at Kansas on Thursday evening.
Maxwell was one out away from her sixth career no-hitter. One out. Maxwell went the full seven innings. She allowed the one hit, a solo home run, while walking four and striking out nine.
Associate head coach Jen Rocha said earlier this week about Maxwell simply being a student of the game. Someone who can watch, observe and figure it out and get better.
“She’s sort of taken off,” said Rocha earlier this week. “Obviously a familiarity with hitters … so just kind of getting her vantage point. KD has been our lefty on the staff, but to have another one with different stuff and kind of getting that perspective of what she’s seen and how she’s felt against opponents.
“Game planning with her has been really fun. I’ve been picking her brain a little bit on what she wants to do and how she wants to set up hitters and get them out.”
What might have made it easier for Maxwell is going to the mound up a couple of runs. There’s something about playing on the road that brings out the offense, especially early.
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This time it was Tiare Jennings with the two-run home run in the top of the first. With the KU confidence at an all-time high, ranked in some polls, it was imperative for OU to get off to that type of start.
Then it happened again in the second with a two-run shot by Cydney Sanders. And Alynah Torres joined in on the fun with a solo home run in the third.
When you’re that effective early and Maxwell is in the circle? That’s going to be mission accomplished.
No. 1 OU (32-1, 10-0) and KU continue their series Friday night and conclude it Saturday afternoon. The series is Thursday-Saturday because of Easter weekend.
