Oklahoma
Weekend Wrap: What We Learned From Oklahoma’s West Coast Swing
Oklahoma wasn’t faced with the stout schedules of past opening weekends, but the Sooners still got tested in a number of their contests to get rolling in 2025.
Patty Gasso’s squad battled a solid San Diego State team through nine innings on Thursday, and then endured a marathon against Long Beach State where OU eventually prevailed after 11 innings on Sunday.
Breaking in nine freshman and five transfers was always going to be a process, but the No. 2-ranked Sooners showed plenty of grit to turn sometimes imperfect performances into wins.
“I’ve been putting them through a lot,” Gasso said on Thursday. “This trip has already been a lot — a lot on your legs, for sure. They handled it well and I’m really proud of that. So it’s been a good first weekend.
“I didn’t even really honestly know what to expect. But they fight, they work and I know we can go forward with something like that.”
Last offseason, Oklahoma lost pitchers Kelly Maxwell, Nicole May and Karlie Keeney as well as incredible defensive players all across the field.
And while the Sooners didn’t have to face the ’27 Yankees this past weekend, the pitching and defense was good enough for the team to lean on throughout the first month of the season while the offense really gets going.
Freshman shortstop Gabbie Garcia committed the only error of the weekend in Game 1, but she bounced back and had a nice weekend on the left side of the infield.
Utah transfer Abby Dayton came up huge with a diving grab in center field on Sunday against Long Beach State that saved a run and prevented a loss.
Kasidi Pickering came up firing multiple times in that same contest on Sunday from left field, and Nelly McEnroe-Marinas and Cydney Sanders both made numerous nice plays in foul territory on the corners.
All of that supporting a pitching staff that had a strong showing through the first six games.
Campbell transfer Isabella Smith pitched 12 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just tow hits and one walk while fanning 14 batters.
Kierston Deal bounced back from a start against CSUN where she allowed plenty of traffic on the bases by denying Long Beach State a single hit for six innings on Sunday.
True freshman Audrey Lowry was excellent in pressure-filled innings against San Diego State, only allowing a single unearned run against the Aztecs as a result of the international tiebreak runner, and Sam Landry grew throughout the weekend after leading the staff with 15 innings pitched.
Gasso promised that the 2025 Sooners would have a different feel about them, but her infield continues to be well drilled, and things should only get better throughout the season.
Ella Parker and Pickering are stepping into even bigger roles as sophomores, but both showed no signs of a second year dip.
Parker finished the weekend 13-for-22 with eight RBIs, five doubles and a homer while also drawing five walks.
Pickering went 7-for-20 with a pair of home runs, nine RBIs, a double, a triple and seven walks.
There were other outstanding performers form the rans of the newcomers — notably Dayton and catcher Isabela Emerling — but an offense built around Parker and Pickering can carry the Sooners a long way.
Notably, it was the clutch hitting from Parker and Pickering that helped ease the pressure on the rest of the team.
Parker and Pickering combined in the fifth inning against CSUN to give OU its first lead of the day. The sophomore duo then combined for five RBIs against San Diego State to help Oklahoma erase the early three run lead, and while the offense struggled with runners in scoring position against Long Beach State, Parker and Pickering seemed to always be on the bases to give the Sooners a chance.
Gasso’s best lineup card is still a question, and she’ll have plenty of pieces who will continue to battle for playing time.
Garcia and Sydney Barker appeared to share staring duties at shortstop depending on the matchup with the opposing pitcher early, though Garcia settled in at shortstop as the weekend wore on.
Hannah Coor’s injury saw Ella Parker get time in the outfield to clear a spot for Tia Milloy in the lineup as the designated player as well.
Garcia hit .167 in 18 plate appearances through the first six games, which was mirrored by Barker’s .167 average in four at-bats.
Mostly every freshman who saw playing time showed off the power they possess.
Milloy hit a pair of monstrous home runs and both Garcia and Barker each hit their first collegiate homers this past weekend.
Continued experience and work with JT Gasso would give the impression that all the freshmen will continue to improve this year, and the transfers can improve as well.
Ailana Agbayani went 3-for-15 through her first six games, but she hit .424 a year ago at BYU which leaves plenty of room for growth.
“Real happy with the way some of these guys are swinging the bat,” Gasso said after OU beat Loyola Marymount on Saturday. “I see that we’ve had nine different Sooners hit home runs over the course of (the first) five games.
“… So I’m loving what the defense is doing. Our pitching staff is doing great. Our offense just has some lulls at times and we’ve got to get that worked out.”
Oklahoma will be back in action this weekend in Waco, TX, where the Sooners will take on Baylor and Hofstra twice each in the Getterman Classic.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
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