The Sooners are days removed from winning their seventh national title and third straight. But it’s never too early to look at what 2024 has in store.
After the incredible 2022 season, many thought the Sooners would take a dip after losing arguably the best player of all time, Jocelyn Alo.
Not only did they not take a dip in 2023, they were even better, finishing 61-1 and on a 53-game-winning streak.
So, what can fans expect for the 2024 season? Well, it’s not fair to ask the Sooners to be better than were. Sure, they can be. But that would be asking them to do something that’s never been done before.
No team has gone undefeated. To be fair, no team had gone a whole season with only one loss until Oklahoma did it.
Next year is shaping up to be a great season. The Sooners lose Alex Storako, Grace Lyons, Haley Lee and Grace Green.
Those are big losses for the team. Storako was one of the game’s best pitchers. Lyons might be the best shortstop to ever play. Lee was a huge contributor this year after transferring from Texas A&M. Green was a role player off the bench who always seemed to get a hit when called upon.
But look for the Sooners to reload. Kierston Deal was the nation’s No. 1 player coming out of high school in 2022 and had some really good moments as a true freshman. She will most likely replace Storako.
Jocelyn Erickson was a top-10 player in that class. She flashed this season as well and will most likely get more playing time in the designated player role and in a platoon with Cydney Sanders at first base.
The Sooners also return a bunch of talent. Tiare Jennings, Jordy Bahl, Jayda Coleman, Kinzie Hansen, Nicole May, Cydney Sanders, Alyssa Brito and Rylie Boone are returning. All five of the players named to the NCAA All-Tournament team are on that list.
That doesn’t even include the additions in the recruiting class or the transfer portal.
It’s unclear what the Sooners’ record will be next year. But one thing is for sure, softball fans nationwide better get used to it because as long as Patty Gasso is at the helm, the Sooners will be contenders.
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