Oklahoma
Weekend Wrap: Oklahoma’s Sweep Keeps it Squarely in SEC Fight
NORMAN — Oklahoma’s sweep of Mississippi State has the Sooners still right in the middle of the SEC fight.
The No. 2-ranked Sooners are tied with No. 3 Texas at 13-5 in league play, trailing only No. 1 Texas A&M (13-4).
No. 4 Tennessee looms just one game back of the Sooners and the Longhorns, and the Red River Rivals will be in Norman to meet for the first time at Love’s Field.
The weekend was far from perfect. OU had to battle out of a pair of 4-0 deficits after the top of the first inning in Sunday’s double header, but Patty Gasso’s team found the offense it needed to take all three wins against the No. 16-ranked Bulldogs.
Friday’s 4-0 victory over Mississippi State at Love’s Field was comfortable, but it left Gasso wanting more.
Her team put up two runs in each of the first two innings, but there was no further damage inflicted.
To hold pace with Texas and Florida in the coming weekends, the Sooners will have to keep scoring, but Gasso struck a balance between wanting more and continuing to build the confidence of her young lineup.
“This team is going to start clicking at a different cylinder and you’re going to know it. You won’t even have to ask me. You’re gonna see it,” Gasso said on Friday. “I know it’s coming, we’re just working through that right now. And it’s coming. I know it will happen before we finish the end of this season. So that’s where we’re at right now. Wins are great but if we can start clicking in that way, we’re going to be pretty unstoppable.”
Against Tennessee, Gasso said her team has to produce in more than just two spots in the lineup.
Sunday, the runs came from all over.
Kasidi Pickering hit a homer in the first game of the double header, then Ailana Agbayani and Cydney Sanders helped string together hits to get OU back in the game.
Sunday’s finale was all about the long ball.
Gabbie Garcia struck first, Hannah Coor went yard once, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas homered twice and catcher Isabela Emerling hammered a three-run shot to put the Sooners in front.
Gasso was proud of the team’s response. They didn’t panic, and they slowly chipped away to come from behind twice on Sunday.
“Not trying to over-swing because it was still early in the game,” Gasso said. “We don’t want to give up runs that way, but if we do it and do it early, we have that time. They started to pull rallies together.”
The second option out of the bullpen behind Sam Landry has been a rotating door this season.
Freshman Audrey Lowry excelled in the first SEC series against South Carolina. Kierston Deal won the only contest against Tennessee.
Sunday, it was Isabella Smith’s turn.
Lowry’s day lasted just six batters, and OU pitching coach Jennifer Rocha turned to the Campbell transfer out of the pen.
Smith has struggled lately, but she settled the game for the Sooners. She pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, three walks and one run while firing back with a strikeout — a performance that provided a much-needed mental boost.
“Coach Rocha and I have been working really, really hard just getting my mental right,” Smith said on Sunday. “I think that’s probably where I’ve struggled the most. But I came in today and this week I’ve really just been trusting my stuff and trusting the talents that God has given me.”
She was close to getting her swagger back against Alabama last Sunday, but a pair of bunt-singles loaded the bases and ended her day.
“I think I felt I was definitely getting closer too,” said Smith, “and I was allowed to take that into this week for bullpens and keep it going throughout the rest of the season.”
Shortly after Smith exited the first game on Sunday, the ball was given to Landry to close.
She threw 27 pitches and secured the win.
Then she started the series finale.
Landry pitched all seven innings, throwing 123 more pitches, to secure the sweep.
It wasn’t perfect, but Landry bounced back from allowing four runs in the first to enjoy a solid outing.
“I think (she battled) just a little bit of fatigue and she was pushing through it,” Emerling said. “Sam is always mentally in it, is always driven to compete. And I think it was just the physical tiredness that got her a little bit.”
Gasso doesn’t want to rely on just one pitcher, but Landry has proven against Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi State that she can put OU in a winning position while still pitching 14 innings or more in a series.
The Sooners have to battle through the postseason, but stacking wins will only allow Landry to bank rest in Oklahoma City — a hopeful prospect for a program looking to rewrite the record books again in June.
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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