OU softball notebook: Kansas not sneaking up on Sooners

Not sure how many people penciled in this weekend as a big one for OU softball. But it’s a credit to Kansas and what the Jayhawks have done.

KU is No. 24 in one of the polls, and it has earned that with the 7-2 start in Big 12 play. Included in that are sweeps of Baylor and Houston.

Now? Lawrence will be one heck of an atmosphere.

“I think we’re just looking forward to just getting on the road again,” associate head coach Jen Rocha said. “Anytime you go on the road, it’s going to be a challenge. Kansas is a team that has had a really good season thus far. They have some returners that are playing well for them.

“They are a really consistent team that we’re getting to play, with a couple of good pitchers. We had a cancellation with Wichita State, which gives us a little bit more time to be home and be able to prepare and just get ready for another Big 12 series.”

Because of Easter weekend, games are Thursday-Saturday. It’s just the start of being the road warriors. We are one week away from the showdown in Austin at No. 2 Texas. But KU has been so good that this feels like a real test.

A welcomed rest

Just strange the way the week worked out. Sunday’s game was moved to a Saturday doubleheader. Then a Tuesday road trip has been rescheduled for two weeks.

So OU softball has not played since Saturday. It’s not a massive break. But at this time of year? Every day counts.

“Just having a talk today with coach and everyone, just having that rest still, and coming back strong,” senior Rylie Boone said. “But I’m OK with not playing with that game. It’s getting rescheduled. But it was nice just to have like a time to breathe. And then also getting back and ready to keep grinding. It doesn’t stop. It does feel good to breathe, but also, I’m excited to go to Kansas because they’re hot right now.”

Boone rolling

Boone has made a living with the drag bunt. Nobody can bunt for a base hit better than Boone in the country. Period.

However, she has been on a big-time run right now. And that always includes some jaw-dropping catches in the outfield. Bringing that energy, too, even if actually isn’t as easy as it seems.

“I think it gets kind of exhausting always trying to be at a 10,” Boone said. “But I think from the second game that you’re talking about (against Iowa State), I think I just locked in with Christ, depending on him for that strength.

“Also just exhausting myself for the team and I think that’s what a lot of us do to be a good teammate. So I was from that talk and now focusing on just exhausting myself to serve my team in any way whether that’s being at a 10 every single game. But I go home and I can at least say that I gave all that I had on the field for that day.” 

Now halfway through the season, you’re starting to see those seniors realize the clock is ticking. You’re getting a lot closer to your final game than your first.

Boone is appreciating the ride.

“Honestly, I think I’m getting lost in the game,” Boone said. “I’m not really focusing on myself but I’m really keeping my eyes up. I’m not really getting locked in of just my at-bats but I’m really getting locked into other people’s at-bats.

“And then also taking everything that’s going on. It’s my last season so I’m more focused and I’m overwhelmed just by the presence of God and being present with my teammates because it’s easy to look forward. But I’m just so present right now of each pitch, each inning on defense and just trying to support anyone that I can.”

Torres earns latest honor

The Big 12 Player of the Week has become the OU award here lately. The most recent? Alynah Torres, who continues to show that being a utility piece can mean a whole heck of a lot. 

“I’m just playing free,” Torres said. “I’m just locking into my teammates and what everybody else is doing because I think you don’t have pressure when you’re thinking about somebody else that’s on the field. So just making sure everyone on our team is locked in together and having fun and when you’re having fun good thinks happen.”

The home runs are coming, but Torres continues to show her versatility. She is absolutely comfortable at any spot the Sooners need her.