Following their defeat to Florida in the Women’s College World Series, Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso, along with players Kinzie Hansen and Tiare Jennings, addressed the media to discuss the game and their outlook moving forward.
The Florida Gators capitalized on every error made by the Sooners to secure a 9-3 victory in the semifinals at Devon Park. This win ended Oklahoma’s impressive 20-game NCAA postseason winning streak and necessitated an additional game between the two teams, which will be played on Tuesday due to weather delays on Monday.
In her opening statement, head coach Patty Gasso acknowledged the tough loss, praising Florida for their performance. She highlighted that Oklahoma left 10 runners in scoring position, which was a significant factor in their defeat. Gasso expressed optimism, noting that the team has another opportunity to correct their mistakes in the upcoming game.
Tiare Jennings contributed to Oklahoma’s score with a two-run home run in the fifth inning, reducing Florida’s lead to 7-3. However, the Sooners struggled to make significant offensive headway until the fourth inning. Jennings reflected on the team’s performance, noting that while they made adjustments towards the end of the game, it was too late to change the outcome. She emphasized the importance of resetting for the next game, understanding their opponent’s strategy, and executing their own game plan effectively.
Jennings remained positive about the team’s chances, highlighting the advantage of knowing what to expect from Florida in the rematch. Both Gasso and Jennings focused on the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and improve in the decisive game. The Sooners are determined to focus on their capabilities and approach the next game with a clear strategy and renewed focus.