OU remains ranked No. 1 in the Super 16 college softball rankings after winning the series against Arkansas. Coach Patty Gasso emphasized the need for her team to start games faster following a recent loss.
Key points
OU stays ranked No. 1 in Super 16 college softball rankings
OU won the series against Arkansas
Patty Gasso issued a challenge to her team
Team needs to start games faster
Recent loss to Arkansas highlighted performance issues
Mentioned in this story
Patty Gasso
OU softballArkansas Razorbacks
Super 16 college softball rankings: OU stays No. 1 with Arkansas series win
The Sooners' response: They scored seven runs in the first two innings of Sunday's game, won in run-rule fashion and claimed the win in the series matching top-five teams.
If that's all it took, maybe the OU softball coach should issue challenges before every game.
On the strength of its wins against Arkansas — and quite honestly, the strength of its losses — OU remains atop The Oklahoman's College Softball Super 16. During a week in which Alabama lost to Samford and Texas Tech lost to Texas State, the Sooners suffered a pair of losses, too, but they came against Oklahoma State, which looks to be surging, and Arkansas, which starts the week No. 1 in the RPI.
OU retains the top spot for the second consecutive week, just one vote shy of being a unanimous No. 1.
Why did OU softball stay ranked No. 1 in the Super 16 rankings?
OU softball maintained its No. 1 ranking due to their series win against Arkansas.
What challenge did Patty Gasso issue to the OU softball team?
Patty Gasso challenged her team to start games faster after their loss to Arkansas.
What was the outcome of the OU vs. Arkansas softball series?
OU won the series against Arkansas, which contributed to their top ranking.
How does the recent loss to Arkansas impact OU's performance?
The loss prompted Coach Patty Gasso to call for improvements in the team's game-starting strategy.
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during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma's Isabela Emerling (13) celebrates a grand slam in the third inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) celebrates a double in the second inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) throws a pitch during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma's Isabela Emerling (13) hits a grand slam in the third inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
Arkansas' Tianna Bell (20) celebrates a home run in the third inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
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OU softball hosts Arkansas in an SEC game at Love's Field, see top photos
during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
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OU softball hosts Arkansas in an SEC game at Love's Field, see top photos
during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
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OU softball hosts Arkansas in an SEC game at Love's Field, see top photos
Oklahoma's Isabela Emerling (13) celebrates a grand slam in the third inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
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OU softball hosts Arkansas in an SEC game at Love's Field, see top photos
Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) celebrates a double in the second inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
4 / 6
OU softball hosts Arkansas in an SEC game at Love's Field, see top photos
Oklahoma's Kai Minor (22) throws a pitch during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
5 / 6
OU softball hosts Arkansas in an SEC game at Love's Field, see top photos
Oklahoma's Isabela Emerling (13) hits a grand slam in the third inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
6 / 6
OU softball hosts Arkansas in an SEC game at Love's Field, see top photos
Arkansas' Tianna Bell (20) celebrates a home run in the third inning during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Filed in Norman, Okla., Friday April 17, 2026.
The Oklahoman's College Softball Super 16
Team, Points (first-place votes), Record, Last week’s ranking
Voters:Jenni Carlson, The Oklahoman; Nathan Giese, Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal; Cora Hall, Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel; Eric Lopez, In The Circle; Justin McLeod, D1Softball.com; Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman; Noah Ram, Gainesville (Fla.) Sun; Colton Sulley, The Oklahoman; Brady Vernon, Softball America; Kirk Walker, Oklahoma City Spark general manager; Scott Wright, The Oklahoman.
