OU Softball Drops Second Straight Game, Gasso Calls for 'Response'

Head coach Patty Gasso says Sooners must 'bow up' after back-to-back losses to Bedlam rival Oklahoma State.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:04am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a softball game in motion, with the players and field fragmented into sharp geometric shapes and planes in shades of red, cream, and navy blue.The Sooners' recent stumbles have exposed vulnerabilities, but also an opportunity to rediscover the program's championship pedigree.Stillwater Today

The Oklahoma Sooners softball team, ranked No. 1 in the country, suffered their second straight loss on Wednesday, falling 6-4 to in-state rival Oklahoma State. Head coach Patty Gasso acknowledged her team came out 'a little lethargic' and said the Sooners need to 'feel the pain' of the defeats and respond with a stronger effort going forward.

Why it matters

The Sooners' back-to-back losses are uncharacteristic for the powerhouse program, which has dominated the sport in recent years. Gasso knows her team must regain its edge to maintain its status as the top-ranked team and contend for a national championship.

The details

Despite a two-run home run from freshman Kendall Wells and a clutch two-run double from Abby Dayton, the Sooners struggled offensively, with no player recording multiple hits. Oklahoma State pitcher Ruby Meylan was impressive, striking out nine batters in a complete-game effort. Sooners pitchers Miali Guachino and Allyssa Parker combined to allow six runs.

  • The losses came on back-to-back games, with the first being to Bedlam rival Oklahoma State on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Sooners will look to rebound this weekend with a three-game series against Arkansas starting on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Patty Gasso

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners softball team, who has led the program to multiple national championships.

Kendall Wells

A freshman outfielder for the Oklahoma Sooners, who hit her nation-leading 32nd home run of the season in the loss.

Abby Dayton

A Sooners player who came up with a clutch two-run double in the sixth inning to cut Oklahoma State's lead to 5-4.

Ruby Meylan

The Oklahoma State pitcher who threw a complete game, striking out nine batters, to lead the Cowgirls to victory.

Miali Guachino

The Oklahoma Sooners pitcher who started the game and suffered her first loss of the season.

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What they’re saying

“From our side? It was um… I feel we came in a little bit lethargic, a little bit like 'we got this' maybe. I don't know. It's just unacceptable for the Sooners.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners

“We just became the No. 1 team in the country. I know they know. We don't talk about it. but the history of this program is to bow up. We got bowed up, and that's OK. Had to see what it looked like and learn how to punch back a little bit better.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners

“We talked in the locker room — it's important to feel things. I don't know the generation kind of seems like they don't like to feel pain or frustration and we need to feel. We need to feel that this hurts, and it should hurt and if it hurts then you are more likely to respond to that hurt and make a wrong a right.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach, Oklahoma Sooners

What’s next

The Sooners will look to bounce back this weekend with a three-game series against Arkansas, followed by matchups against Georgia and Texas A&M.

The takeaway

Gasso's Sooners have dominated softball in recent years, but these back-to-back losses serve as a wake-up call. The coach is challenging her team to respond with a renewed sense of urgency and toughness as they aim to regain their status as the nation's top program.