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OU softball takes to the road for first time in SEC

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•about 10 hours•

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Sam Landry3
OU pitcher Sam Landry. (Bryan Terry - The Oklahoman/USA TODAY Network).

OU softball has grown accustomed to being the bad guy. That’s what happens when you win four straight national championships.

It doesn’t matter if there’s no real logic attached to it, people want to see the dynasty crumble. And no set of fans wants it more than the SEC.

It’s in the slogan, #ItJustMeansMore.

The Sooners are no strangers to large crowds, loud crowds. But this weekend at Arkansas? You won’t be hearing Boomer Sooner. You’re going to figure it out on the road.

“I warned them. We’ve talked about — put yourself in the other (dugout),” head coach Patty Gasso said. “The good news is, we’ve been in loud surroundings and although this is our home field, sometimes the loudness can really rattle you a little bit because you can’t hear what’s going on.

“You can’t hear your teammates at times, so at least we’re used to it and this is going to be a different style for us. There’s going to be some Sooners fans there, but not even close, so we’re going to have to learn to deal with the noise, whether it’s for us or against us. But I think having that many people in our own stadium really helps prepare us for this.”

Return of Landry

The good news is OU has pitcher Sam Landry back. After missing the South Carolina series, Landry returned to action Wednesday night at Tulsa.

She threw 3.2 innings and struck out five. It was imperative to get her to make sure she’s ready for this weekend.

OU is going to need her and everyone else. Control is going to be crucial all weekend in Fayetteville. Handling your emotions will be pivotal as there are going to be momentum swings, ride the wave.

“No free bases,” Gasso said. “Let them put the ball in play and let us try to make the plays. Keep the ball in the yard. They swing it. They swing well, very well, top to bottom. They got speed. They are another tough top 10 opponent that we’re going to have to go up against.

“South Carolina was a great starting point for us to learn how to do this, maybe manage this a little better. We’re going to have to keep the ball in play, allow us to make the plays. no walks. I don’t care about strikeouts. Just keep the ball in a place where we can make the play for you.”

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