OU softball rolls past UCF in series opener as Kinzie Hansen, Kelly Maxwell lead the way

Colton Sulley, The Oklahoman

OU softball took care of business in its first game of a three-game series Friday night.

Despite some defensive miscues, the Sooners defeated UCF 10-2 in Orlando, Fla., picking up their 43rd win of the season. The road trip marks Oklahoma's final Big 12 away series before moving to the SEC.

Kinzie Hansen led the way for OU, finishing 3 for 4 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Starting pitcher Kelly Maxwell earned the win for the Sooners. She allowed just one run and struck out five Knights in 6⅓ innings of work.

Both teams struggled in the field, recording a combined five errors. The Sooners finished with three errors, providing the Knights opportunities to battle back. Unlike Oklahoma, UCF struggled to put together enough quality at-bats to crawl back.

UCF's Jada Cody, who is batting .347, hit 2 for 4 with a run scored. Four OU players finished with a multi-hit game.

Here are more takeaways from the Sooners' win:

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Sooners' five-run first inning, offense powers win

OU's bats opened the scoring Friday on the road.

The Sooners loaded the bases with no outs, setting themselves up for a big inning. Jayda Coleman scored from third on a Kinzie Hansen RBI-single to center field before Kasadi Pickering singled to left field, driving in Tiare Jennings and Hansen.

"We learn from each other," Gasso said on the ESPN+ broadcast. "You can see them talking a lot between at bats and so forth. So sharing knowledge."

It seemingly got out of hand after Alyssa Brito powered a home run over the left field fence. Brito's home run was her 16th of the year.

UCF recorded two errors in the inning. The Knights used four pitchers throughout the game, aiming to slow the Sooners down after the strong first inning.

"It's good for us," Gasso said of the tactic. "We're used to it, actually."

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OU's pitching remains dominant

While it wasn't the best defensive outing for Gasso's team, Maxwell kept up her dominance.

The lefty was on the top of her game to start, inducing four scoreless innings. Her earned run average sits at 1.59 this season.

"(She was) giving us some ground balls and doing her job," Gasso said.

Maxwell finished with 121 total pitches. Liberty transfer Karlie Keeney finished the game for Oklahoma in the circle and allowed a solo home run.

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OU softball live score updates vs. UCF

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OU softball highlights vs. UCF

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Top seventh: OU 10, UCF 1: Sooners add insurance runs

Sooners infielder Avery Hodge walked, scoring Riley Ludlam. Then, Rylie Boone singled, scoring Kasadi Pickering.

Jayda Coleman scored on a Kinzie Hansen single before Ella Parker grounded out, scoring Hodge.

Bottom fifth: OU 6, UCF 1: Knights get on the board

After tossing four scoreless innings, Kelly Maxwell allowed a run.

Jada Cody crossed home after Chloe Evans doubled off Maxwell. Maxwell, who has been dominant all season, then walked Ashleigh Griffin.

Top third: OU 6, UCF 0: Jayda Coleman extends lead

Jayda Coleman extended the Sooners' lead 6-0 in the top of the third inning.

Coleman blasted her 11th home run of the year with a two-out solo shot. The hit was OU's sixth of the game.

Top first: OU 5, UCF 0: Sooners strike first on road

The Sooners struck first Friday, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning.

Alyssa Brito crushed a homer to left center field, capping the inning.

What time does OU softball vs. UCF start?

  • Date: Friday, April 26

  • Time: 5 p.m. CT

  • Where: Orlando, Fla.

More: Get to know the 2024 Oklahoma Sooners softball team and schedule

What channel is OU softball vs. UCF on today?

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma softball rolls past UCF in opener of final Big 12 road series

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