Where does the Norman Regional rank according to Softball America?

TL;DR

The Oklahoma Sooners are ranked No. 15 by Softball America for the NCAA tournament, with the Norman Regional being the second-easiest in the field. They will host Kansas, Michigan, and Binghamton as they aim for their 19th trip to the Women's College World Series.

Key points

Oklahoma Sooners ranked No. 15 by Softball America
Norman Regional is the second-easiest in the NCAA tournament
Teams include Kansas, Michigan, and Binghamton
Binghamton won the American East Conference tournament
Key players include Ella Boyer and Lauren Putz

Softball AmericaOklahoma SoonersKansasMichigan

Where does the Norman Regional rank according to Softball America?

The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for the NCAA tournament, looking to get back to Oklahoma City for the Women's College World Series for the 19th time and for the 10th season in a row. It all starts with the Norman regional, where the Sooners host Kansas (35-19, 14-10 Big 12), Michigan (34-20, 11-13 Big Ten), and Binghamton (20-25, 15-5 American East).

Kansas finished fifth in the Big 12. Michigan finished ninth in the Big Ten. Binghamton made the NCAA tournament by winning the American East Conference tournament. Ahead of the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament, Softball America ranked each of the 16 regionals from the most difficult to the easiest, and the Sooners ranked No. 15, with the second-easiest regional in the field. Softball America's Brady Vernon looked at how each host could be upset in their regional. For the Sooners, it's about offense.

By losing two high-scoring games. Expect plenty of runs in this regional unless the Sooners’ pitching staff rises to the occasion. Kansas and Michigan have both hit the ball extremely well this season. Oklahoma fans should quickly familiarize themselves with Big 12 Freshman of the Year Ella Boyer from Kansas and Michigan star Lauren Putz. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to imagine Oklahoma losing twice, given the pitching struggles both the Jayhawks and Wolverines have dealt with this season. - Vernon, Softball America

The Sooners have struggled to keep the ball in the park this season. Oklahoma has allowed 59 home runs this season, 12th most in the SEC. Only six Big Ten teams allowed more home runs than the Sooners, and just two Big 12 teams.

The Sooners can certainly put runs on the board, but need to find more consistency from the circle to not only advance out of their regional but to defeat Oregon in the super regional and advance to Oklahoma City once again. As a team, Michigan has hit .311 this season, while Kansas has hit .330, good for third in the Big 12.

This opening weekend of the NCAA tournament is an opportunity for the Sooners to regain some momentum.