OU softball learning to love... Love's Field
OU softball looks incredibly comfortable at Devon Park. It’s the home away from home in Oklahoma City. But what about Norman?
More specifically, what about Love’s Field? The Sooners have only lost six games this season, but strangely enough? Four of those have occurred at OU’s new palace.
Whether it has been getting accustomed to the crowd or how the park plays or just added internal pressure, it hasn’t been the smoothest ride.
The last impression, though, was the best. The 8-2 Bedlam victory against Oklahoma State was the last game on the field. And arguably, the most complete showing.
“I think our last game here really was one of our better games,” head coach Patty Gasso said. “There was a lot of energy, a lot of emotion. We’ve been able to practice here more now. This is our home now, we’ve moved in.
“I think maybe our feet will be a little more grounded here. And the focus has got to be where it needs to be. We played at hall of fame stadium in front of a big crowd and played very well. So I like where we’re at and we’re going to need to be our best at home. That’s why we earned it and so we’re going to use it.”
It was a hurdle. Games were being played at Love’s Field, but the team was still practicing at Marita Hynes. The team was still taking shuttles back to its old stomping grounds. A home that wasn’t quite a home.
Again, all that seems to be a thing of the past. If all goes well, OU has two weekends left at Love’s for the 2024 season. It begins with the Norman Regional this weekend, a double-elimination event featuring OU, Oregon, Boston University and Cleveland State.
Oregon and BU start 4:30 p.m. Friday, followed by OU-CSU at 7 p.m. The Sooners will be on ESPNU.
“I think just super excited,” senior Tiare Jennings said. “I’m getting more comfortable at Love’s Field, just really making it our home. And I think the more we practice on it, the more we figure it out. Just like the last game of Bedlam, like, we’re kind of just getting the feel for Love’s and just embracing our crowd.
“The crowd was amazing that weekend, so really just getting them involved and just having fun with it. I mean, it’s our last go around, so definitely just having fun out there, but it’s definitely getting super exciting and just really comfortable playing here.”
Scouting the field
Players were still in the process of learning about the other three teams in the regional. But Gasso gave a breakdown of what to expect from the Ducks, Terriers and Vikings.
“Pitching, pitching, pitching, pitching,” Gasso said. “Oregon’s got a fast offense. They run a lot. They put runners in motion. They do a lot of short game. They kind of bring it all at you so you’re going to have to be a very good defense. Timely hitting. They’re feisty, you can see that, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from a Lombardi team.
“Boston, very good pitching. And dominance. They’ve lost maybe four games. They haven’t played the same kind of schedules as us but at the same time when you find ways to win and you win you feel like you can do it against anybody. So you can’t overlook them. They’ve got one of the better pitchers in the country on their team right now and they’re finding — their offense is showing. They’re a good defense, so they’re really good.
“Cleveland State has a pitcher as well and she’s been carrying them pretty much. And a lot sacrifice bunts. It’s kind of the, sacrifice bunt, move a runner in scoring position, get one through, score your run. So we’re gonna have to be good. And you — I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. If you’re not good enough you’re going home, bottom line.
“And if you overlook anybody you’re going home. So we’re going to have to really bow up, be ready, be at our best. Ahead or behind keep playing, grinding. Pitchers need to be on. We better minimize walks, keep the ball in the yard. All of those things are really important.”
