Sydney Romero’s three-run home run, Tiffany Howard’s home run-robbing catch in left field, Paige Parker’s dominance from the circle, Emily Carosone’s walk-off grand slam, Shay Knighten’s defense at third base and Courtney Shea’s ground out to end it.
Last year’s National Championship Series at the Women’s College World Series was one for the history books. Now, the eyes of the softball world will be on the same two teams as they start their seasons against each other in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Feb. 9, 2017.
“I don’t know if you think that this is any other game,” said Sooners head coach Patty Gasso. “Whether we beat Auburn in the championship or not, it’s Auburn. You just respect their program and their coaching staff and everything about them… I think we look at this as a tough way to start the season and let’s get after it.”
The game is the first National Championship rematch to be played outside of the United States.
“We are trying to see this as just another opponent and focus on what we need to do to win the game,” said Cooper about the season opener. “For us, they are the team that stands in the way. However, we’re going to play Auburn softball and they are going to play Oklahoma softball. They aren’t worried about us, they are worried about playing their best game and we are going to do the same.”
Last year’s WCWS Most Valuable Player, Parker, returns for her junior season. Going by the numbers, she was nearly flawless. She finished 38-3 with a 1.64 earned run average in 2016.
“I’m trying to work hard and make myself better every day. I’m going out every day and sharpening up all of my pitches,” said Parker. “It’s going to be a really tough game and a tough match up but right now we are just focusing on getting ourselves ready for the first tournament.”
Backing up Parker for Oklahoma will be Missouri transfer, Paige Lowary. After an injury mid-season, the junior bounced back to lead Mizzou to a sweep of its regional and into their super regional.
“I think she feels like she is starting over from a new beginning with some new mechanics,” said Gasso. “She is working with our pitching coach, she is fitting in well and working hard.”
The 2016 season was pitch-by-committee for Auburn. This season, Kaylee Carlson (junior) and Makayla Martin (sophomore) will hopefully carry the load. Senior Jenna Abbott is rejoining the pitching staff, in addition to playing infield, and will be used when needed.
After pitching, the question that Auburn faces is, who will hit leadoff? As of now, according to head coach Clint Myers; odds are looking in favor of Cooper.
“It is what it is and if I lead off, my goal is to get on base,” said Cooper. “If someone is at first base and I come up, my job is to hit them over. The job doesn’t change based on where I’m hitting and that’s how Coach (Myers) and (Assistant Coach) Scott (Woodard) put it. The goal is to get on base, get them over and get them in. I will do whatever it takes for us to win.”
Photo courtesy of Auburn Athletics
