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OU softball earns No. 2 overall national seed

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•05/12/24•

BPrzybylo

Syndication: The Oklahoman
OU softball. (Bryan Terry - The Oklahoman/USA TODAY Network).

OU softball head coach Patty Gasso said last week she didn’t care about the national seeding for the Sooners. As long as OU was in the top eight and playing at Love’s Field throughout, all was good.

But still, it might sting just a bit to see the No. 2 next to OU’s name in the weeks ahead. Despite taking down No. 1 Texas 5-1 in the Big 12 championship Saturday, it’s the Longhorns who remain as the top seed.

The Sooners will have ‘settle’ for No. 2.

OU is going to begin its quest toward a fourth consecutive national championship by taking on Cleveland State (22-24) at 7 p.m. Friday on ESPNU.

Boston University (52-4-1) and Oregon (28-19) are the other two teams in the Norman Regional. Time for some fresh scouting reports, finally.

“Refreshing,” said Gasso on Saturday about looking at new teams. “Not that you can take any kind of break but we know each other so well. We’ve played against … they have their amount of seniors as well, so there’s no new tricks you can throw out there. It’s a slugfest is really what it is when you play any team through the Big 12.

“One, being at home is what we’re really going to enjoy and two, just welcoming anyone who is coming in. One thing that’ll be fun about the game is the research that goes into it and really connecting with the game plans. That’s what this team does on the mound, at the plate, the way we can move our defense around a bit. That’s the fun part of it and to see them execute it. Whoever comes our way, it’s going to be a fun opportunity to play at home.”

This will be the first meeting ever between OU and Cleveland State.

The regional round is a double-elimination weekend. To go along with OU and Texas, Oklahoma State earned a No. 5 overall seed. That gives the Big 12 three of the top five.

Should everything go according to seeding, the No. 15 seed is Florida State (43-14). The Seminoles could potentially be the Super Regional opponent for OU.

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