No. 6 Texas looks for redemption against 4x National Champions No. 2 Oklahoma in WCWS

The 2025 Women’s College World Series is set to feature a marquee matchup in the first bracket as the No. 6 Texas Longhorns face off against the defending 4x National Champions the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners are seeking their fifth straight national title as the Longhorns look for redemption from the 2024 WCWS final as well as a 0-3 sweep in conference at the tail end of the 2025 season. This encounter not only reignites the heated Red River Rivalry but also pits two of the nation’s most potent offenses and dominant pitching staffs against each other with fireworks in the making.

Texas enters the Women’s College World Series with a formidable lineup, led by the Second Team All-American senior-third baseman Mia Scott, who boasts a .436 batting average and 54 RBIs. Complementing her are standout performers like the First Team All-American junior-Catcher of the Year Reese Atwood, who’s knocked a .423 BA, 17 HRs, and 76 RBIs and red shirt junior-outfielder Ashton Maloney slugging a .429 BA, making the Longhorns a relentless offensive force.

Oklahoma counters with its own heavy hitters. First Team All-American’s sophomore-utility player Ella Parker who has slapped a .418 BA, 15 HRs, and 53 RBIs and with First Team All-American sophomore-outfielder Kasidi Pickering whom hits a .409 BA, 18 HRs, and 56 RBIs have been instrumental in the Sooners’ success. Their contributions have propelled Oklahoma to a staggering 117 home runs this season, underscoring their offensive depth.

On the mound, Texas relies on the arm of the Second Team All-American sophomore-righty Teagan Kavan, who holds a 2.46 ERA with 213 strikeouts over 182.1 innings. Her consistency and poise have been pivotal in the Longhorns’ journey to the WCWS. Supporting her is freshman-righty Cambria Salmon, boasting a 2.37 ERA, junior-righty Citlaly Gutierrez slinging a 2.57 ERA and senior-righty Mac Morgan tossing a 3.42 ERA, adding depth to Texas’s pitching arsenal.

Oklahoma’s pitching staff is anchored by the Second Team All-American senior-righty Sam Landry, who has amassed a 24-4 record with a 1.88 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 174.2 innings. Her dominance in the circle provides the Sooners with a significant edge in tight contests by painting the plate with tact and precision with strong pitching stuff to support, such as; junior-lefty Kierston Deal who has dealt a 3.45 ERA in 75 innings pitched.

Defensively, both teams exhibit exceptional fielding prowess. Texas maintains a .972 fielding percentage, with key contributors like Atwood with a wall-like .993 and graduate-first baseman Joley Mitchell .989 ensuring stability at first base. Oklahoma, slightly ahead with a .979 fielding percentage, showcases its defensive strength through players like junior-infielder Ailana Agbayani who boasts a .994 fielding percentage and recipient of the Rawlings Golden Glove winner and Third Team All-American honoree freshman-infielder Gabbie Garcia with a fielding percentage of .982.

This Red River matchup carries historical significance, as Oklahoma leads the all-time series 64-27, including a sweep in last year’s WCWS championship finals. The Longhorns aim to rewrite history, overcome, and assert its dominance, while Oklahoma seeks to continue its legacy of excellence with their seventeenth appearance in the WCWS seeking to add a ninth national championship.

As these two titans prepare to clash, fans can anticipate a thrilling contest filled with strategic plays, powerful hits, and masterful pitching where discipline and execution matter most. The outcome will not only determine the SouthEastern Conference dominance, but will give an edge as the journey continues to the WCWS. The No. 6. Longhorns and No. 2 Sooners will add a new chapter to this storied Red River rivalry on May 31 at 3 pm EDT on ABC in Oklahoma City.