OU Softball Edges Louisiana 2-1 in Tight Victory

Miali Guachino and Ella Parker lead the Sooners to a hard-fought win at the Okana Invitational.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Oklahoma Sooners softball team defeated Louisiana 2-1 in a close game at the Okana Invitational on Sunday. Pitcher Miali Guachino was dominant through the first five innings, striking out six batters, before allowing a leadoff home run in the sixth. Ella Parker provided the offense with a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning. Audrey Lowry came in to close out the game in the seventh inning, earning her first save of the season. The win improves Guachino's record to 7-0 on the year.

Why it matters

This tight victory over a tough Louisiana squad shows the resilience and talent of the Oklahoma softball team, which is looking to build on its success from last season under head coach Patty Gasso. The Sooners' ability to grind out a close win against a quality opponent is an encouraging sign as they prepare for conference play.

The details

Guachino was stellar through the first five innings, striking out the side in the first frame and allowing just one run on a leadoff home run in the sixth. Ella Parker provided the offense with a solo shot in the bottom of the third, which proved to be the difference. When Guachino ran into trouble in the sixth, Gasso turned to Lowry, who closed out the game with a strikeout and an easy seventh inning.

  • The game took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at the Okana Invitational.
  • Guachino is now 7-0 on the season.

The players

Miali Guachino

The Oklahoma starting pitcher who struck out six batters and allowed just one run over 5.1 innings of work.

Ella Parker

The Oklahoma hitter who provided the game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the third inning.

Patty Gasso

The head coach of the Oklahoma softball team.

Audrey Lowry

The Oklahoma relief pitcher who came in to close out the game in the seventh inning, earning her first save of the season.

Louisiana

The opponent that Oklahoma defeated 2-1 in the tight game.

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What they’re saying

“That is a lot more like what OU softball head coach Patty Gasso when Louisiana was scheduled for the Okana Invitational.”

— Bob Przybylo, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

The Sooners will play one more game against Abilene Christian to close out the Okana Invitational on Sunday afternoon.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's ability to grind out a tight 2-1 victory over a tough Louisiana squad demonstrates the team's resilience and talent under head coach Patty Gasso. The Sooners' performance is an encouraging sign as they prepare to continue their season and make a push for the postseason.