EL PASO, Texas — In a display of offensive firepower that left spectators and opponents alike in awe, the No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Sooners softball team demolished the University of Texas-El Paso Miners 34-0 on Sunday, falling just one run short of the program's single-game scoring record.
The rout unfolded during a tournament stop in El Paso, where Oklahoma extended its impressive early-season form. The Sooners, now 8-1 on the year, erupted for 25 hits across five innings, with the game mercifully called under the mercy rule. It was the latest in a series of dominant performances for a team that has already launched 38 home runs through nine games, showcasing the depth and talent in Patty Gasso's squad.
Action began immediately in the top of the first inning, as the first eight Oklahoma batters reached base safely, propelling the Sooners to an 8-0 lead before UTEP could even settle in. According to reports from the game, the Miners struggled to find any rhythm against Oklahoma's pitching staff, which combined to allow just three hits over the shortened contest.
The third inning proved to be the defining moment, with Oklahoma plating 12 runs, including two grand slams that highlighted the Sooners' power at the plate. Catcher Tia Milloy crushed the first grand slam, clearing the bases and igniting the rally. Shortly after, infielder Gabbie Garcia followed suit with another grand slam, sending four more runs across home plate. Both homers came off UTEP pitching and underscored Oklahoma's ability to capitalize on opportunities.
"This was a very productive trip for us," Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso said afterward in comments to the El Paso Times. Gasso's team had arrived in the region for tournaments in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, over three days, emerging with five victories. "We got to use a lot of pitchers in the process, get a lot of players in the field more. There were a lot of opportunities this weekend and everybody made the most of it."
Building on that momentum, Oklahoma tacked on 14 more runs in its final at-bat of the game, pushing the score to an insurmountable 34-0. The outburst brought the Sooners tantalizingly close to their school record of 35 runs, set against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2014 during another lopsided affair. That mark has stood as a testament to Oklahoma's storied history in women's softball, a program that has won seven national championships under Gasso's guidance since 2000.
Individual standouts abounded for the Sooners. Outfielder Allyssa Parker slugged two home runs in the game, contributing significantly to the run total. Meanwhile, Kasidi Pickering tied a school record with three doubles, her extra-base hits helping to extend innings and create more scoring chances. Milloy, Garcia, and Parker each drove in six runs, a feat that speaks to the balanced attack Oklahoma deployed against a outmatched UTEP defense.
On the mound, starter Audrey Lowry earned the win, improving her record to 6-0 on the season. She pitched three innings, surrendering only three hits while keeping the Miners off the scoreboard. Relievers Sydney Berzon and Berkley Zache followed, each tossing a scoreless frame to close out the shutout. The pitching depth Gasso referenced in her postgame remarks was on full display, allowing the staff to preserve arms for the rest of the Sooners' schedule.
For UTEP, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, coming on the heels of an earlier victory over Idaho State earlier that same Sunday. The Miners, competing in the Conference USA, entered the matchup hoping to build momentum but were overwhelmed by Oklahoma's relentless pressure. Despite the lopsided score, there was no bitterness from the home team.
"They've done a lot for women's sports," UTEP outfielder Halle Hogan said graciously after the game. Hogan, who has been a key contributor for the Miners this season, acknowledged the gap in talent while focusing on the positives. "We're going to take what we learned from them and use it to our advantage." Her comments reflect the respect UTEP holds for Oklahoma, a perennial powerhouse that has elevated the profile of college softball nationwide.
The game took place at Helen of Troy Field in El Paso, under clear skies and in front of a modest crowd that witnessed history nearly unfold. Oklahoma's performance adds to a weekend sweep that included wins in both Las Cruces and El Paso, providing valuable reps for a roster blending veterans and newcomers. Gasso's emphasis on opportunities paid off, as nearly every player saw action, fostering team chemistry early in the season.
Contextually, this blowout fits into Oklahoma's broader dominance in the sport. The Sooners have been a fixture in the top ranks of NCAA softball, regularly advancing deep into the Women's College World Series. Their 38 home runs through nine games this year already surpass many teams' season totals, a statistic that highlights the program's recruiting prowess and training regimen. UTEP, by contrast, is rebuilding after a challenging 2023 campaign, using games like this to gauge progress against elite competition.
While the scoreline was one-sided, it also served as a learning experience for both sides. For Oklahoma, avoiding the record by a single run might sting slightly, but the overall haul—34 runs on 25 hits—reinforces their status as favorites for another title run. Gasso's squad next faces a lighter schedule before conference play ramps up, giving players time to refine skills honed over the weekend.
Looking ahead, UTEP will carry Hogan's mindset into upcoming matches, aiming to implement lessons from the defeat. The Miners' earlier win over Idaho State suggests potential for upsets, and with the season young, they have time to climb the standings. Meanwhile, Oklahoma's trip south proved more than productive; it was a statement of intent for the Sooners, who continue to set the standard in women's collegiate athletics.
In the end, Sunday's 34-0 thrashing not only boosted Oklahoma's win total but also exemplified the growing excitement around softball. As the sport gains traction—thanks in part to trailblazers like the Sooners—games like this draw eyes and inspire the next generation of players.