Oklahoma and Texas, a matchup circled on each groups’ calendars for the reason that schedule was launched, one way or the other feels that a lot larger this 12 months.

The No. 1-ranked Sooners roll into Austin once more chasing historical past.

Patty Gasso’s staff, an ideal 36-0, already owns one of the best begin within the historical past of Division I softball. The all-time win streak on the highest degree is 47 video games, one thing which is in attain if the Sooners can maintain enterprise towards the Longhorns (30-10-1).

On high of the historical past using on the 2022 model of the Sooners, OU additionally enters the weekend toting a 21-game win streak over Texas.

The place, When, The best way to Watch:

• Recreation 1: Oklahoma at Texas, Thursday, 6 p.m., Longhorn Community

• Recreation 2: Oklahoma at Texas, Friday, 6 p.m., Longhorn Community

• Recreation 3: Oklahoma at Texas, Saturday, 1 p.m., Longhorn Community

However but once more, Gasso’s staff is intent on shutting down the skin noise surrounding this three-game sequence.

“Nobody, together with myself, nobody talks concerning the document,” Gasso mentioned throughout a Zoom press convention on Tuesday. “All we attempt to do is get higher.

“… We don’t play for data, we don’t play for notoriety. We play for rings. We play for Nationwide Championships.”

As she’s maintained all season, Gasso is simply pushing her staff to repeatedly enhance game-by-game, no matter who’s within the different dugout.

“I’m very demanding,” Gasso mentioned. “I’m in search of excellence. I’m attempting to push each participant to the restrict.

“… If we’re going to put on ‘Championship Mindset’ logos on every part we personal, then we higher know what it means. And that’s what it means, simply sustaining your eyes on excellence and sustaining that effort at observe.”

The Sooners are going to wish each little bit of that focus Gasso calls for towards Texas.

On high of the already hostile ambiance that greets any Oklahoma staff in Austin, there will likely be somewhat additional juice.

The Longhorns are retiring the variety of legendary pitcher Cat Osterman, simply one other spectacle that’s certain so as to add to the surroundings this weekend.

“We look ahead to it,” Gasso mentioned. “We’d like it. We’d like the push. We’d like the ambiance towards us.

“… I’m hoping, I’m trusting it’ll convey out one of the best in us.”

The Longhorns have had an up-and-down 12 months, however Texas seems to have turned a nook as of late.

Mike White’s staff has received 19 of their final 21 video games, posting a 10-10 tie towards Minnesota and shedding 6-5 to Louisiana in additional innings over that span. On the 12 months, the Longhorns have additionally posted wins over ranked opponents in Clemson, Louisiana and LSU, with the victories over LSU coming in a sweep in Austin.

“Now we have been taking a look at them and seeing that their offense has improved, with out query,” Gasso mentioned. “… They’ve obtained a extremely good pitching employees as effectively. And I do know they’ve been hit somewhat bit, nevertheless it doesn’t appear to trouble them as a result of they got here again.”

The Longhorns additionally loved final weekend off, as Texas opted not to usher in one other opponent throughout their off weekend from Huge 12 play to arrange for the Sooners.

This 12 months’s version of the Purple River Rivalry will get rolling at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening, and the sport will likely be broadcast on the Longhorn Community.

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