Late heroics from Gabbie Garcia, Kendall Wells help OU secure series-clinching win vs. Arizona

Sooners rally late to defeat Wildcats 5-4 and take series

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Oklahoma Sooners softball team secured a series-clinching 5-4 win over the Arizona Wildcats on Sunday, thanks to late-game heroics from Gabbie Garcia and Kendall Wells. Garcia hit two home runs, including the go-ahead shot in the 7th inning, while Wells tied the game with a leadoff homer in the 7th. The Sooners overcame an early 4-1 deficit to win the rubber match of the three-game series.

Why it matters

This series win over a top Pac-12 opponent is an important early-season statement for the Sooners, who are looking to build on their success from last year and make a deep postseason run. The late-game comeback also showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games against tough competition.

The details

The Sooners fell behind 4-1 after Arizona scored four runs in the 2nd inning, but chipped away at the deficit with a run in the 4th and then the late-game heroics. Gabbie Garcia hit a solo home run in the 5th to make it 4-3, then launched the go-ahead shot in the 7th after Kendall Wells had tied it with a leadoff homer. Audrey Lowry pitched 5.2 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win.

  • Gabbie Garcia hit a solo home run in the 5th inning.
  • Kendall Wells hit a leadoff home run in the 7th inning to tie the game.
  • Gabbie Garcia hit the go-ahead home run in the 7th inning.

The players

Gabbie Garcia

A true sophomore on the Oklahoma Sooners softball team who hit two home runs, including the go-ahead shot in the 7th inning, to lead the Sooners to victory.

Kendall Wells

A true freshman on the Oklahoma Sooners softball team who hit the game-tying home run in the 7th inning to spark the Sooners' comeback.

Audrey Lowry

The Oklahoma Sooners pitcher who came in relief and pitched 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win.

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What they’re saying

“Gabbie Garcia had already done plenty before the seventh inning on Sunday.”

— Jesse Crittenden, Author (on3.com)

“The Sooners needed some timely hits. They got the first one from Kendall Wells, as the true freshman sent a leadoff home run to left field that tied the game.”

— Jesse Crittenden, Author (on3.com)

“Then Garcia came in with another big hit, following Wells' blast with her second home run of the game to give the Sooners a one-run lead.”

— Jesse Crittenden, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

The Sooners will take on Montana at 11 a.m. Friday to begin the New Mexico Tournament.

The takeaway

This series win over a top Pac-12 opponent shows the Sooners' resilience and ability to win close games against tough competition, which will be crucial as they look to build on their success from last season and make a deep postseason run.