#5 Lady Buffs Ready for Conference Action in the Sooner State

West Texas A&M softball team travels to Oklahoma for key Lone Star Conference matchups

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a college softball game, with sharp planes of navy, crimson, and gold representing the competitive energy of the two teams.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes softball matchup between national powers West Texas A&M and Oklahoma Christian.Shawnee Today

The #5 ranked West Texas A&M Lady Buffs softball team hits the road this weekend for a pair of Lone Star Conference doubleheaders in Oklahoma. On Thursday, they'll take on the Cameron Aggies, followed by a Saturday showdown against the #12 Oklahoma Christian Eagles. The Lady Buffs are looking to build on their strong 2025 season that saw them share the Lone Star Conference regular season title.

Why it matters

West Texas A&M has established itself as a national powerhouse in Division II softball, winning three South Central Regional titles and two national championships since reviving the program in 2006. These conference matchups against ranked opponents will be crucial as the Lady Buffs aim to secure another Lone Star title and make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Lady Buffs, led by sixth-year head coach Michael Mook, will first take on the Cameron Aggies, who enter the weekend with a 21-20 overall record and 13-15 Lone Star mark. Cameron is led offensively by sophomore Haley Gardella, who is hitting .415 with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs. On Saturday, WT will face the #12 Oklahoma Christian Eagles, who are 31-8 overall and 23-5 in conference play. OC is paced by junior infielder Kallie Rupp (.417, 8 HR, 37 RBIs) and senior pitcher Jill Dickson (14-4, 1.97 ERA).

  • The doubleheader against Cameron is set for Thursday, April 10 at 4:00 p.m.
  • The matchup with Oklahoma Christian is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 12:00 p.m.

The players

Michael Mook

In his sixth season as the head coach of the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs, Mook has led the program to a 275-66 (.806) record, including the 2021 NCAA Division II National Championship. He is a two-time Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year.

Haley Gardella

The sophomore designated player for the Cameron Aggies is batting .415 with 14 doubles, 16 home runs, and 53 RBIs this season.

Kallie Rupp

The junior infielder for the Oklahoma Christian Eagles is hitting .417 with 11 doubles, 8 home runs, and 37 RBIs.

Jill Dickson

The senior pitcher for the Oklahoma Christian Eagles is 14-4 with a 1.97 ERA, allowing 33 runs (30 earned) on 80 hits with 44 walks and 133 strikeouts in 106.1 innings.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to compete at a high level this weekend against two tough conference opponents. These games will be crucial as we look to defend our Lone Star title and make another deep postseason run.”

— Michael Mook, Head Coach, West Texas A&M Lady Buffs

What’s next

The Lady Buffs will look to continue their strong conference play and build momentum heading into the Lone Star Tournament in May.

The takeaway

West Texas A&M's softball program has established itself as a national power in Division II, and these key conference matchups against ranked opponents will be a true test of the Lady Buffs' championship mettle as they aim to claim another Lone Star title and make a deep postseason run.