Oklahoma Sooners Dominate Opening Game of the Norman Tournament: Left-Handed Ace Kierston Deal Delivers a Commanding Performance in the Circle While Power-Hitter Kasidi Pickering Crushes a Three-Run Home Run to Seal a Run-Rule Victory Over Tulsa

In a thrilling opening game of the 2025 Norman Tournament, the Oklahoma Sooners showcased their power and precision, dominating Tulsa in an impressive run-rule victory. The Sooners, already renowned for their remarkable prowess on both sides of the ball, did not disappoint, as they stormed to a dominant victory that highlighted the excellence of their star players: left-handed pitcher Kierston Deal and power-hitting outfielder Kasidi Pickering.

The Stage is Set

The Norman Tournament is a highly anticipated event on the college softball calendar, drawing elite teams from across the country to compete on the hallowed fields of Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners, entering the tournament as defending champions and perennial powerhouses in the NCAA softball world, were looking to continue their dominant form. Tulsa, meanwhile, came into the contest as an underdog but had a roster filled with talent and a desire to make a statement.

Though the competition was fierce, the Sooners entered the game with a clear advantage in both skill and experience. It was a game many had circled on their calendars, and for good reason—Oklahoma had a chance to show why they’re widely considered one of the best teams in the country.

Kierston Deal Takes the Circle

As the game began, the atmosphere at Marita Hynes Field was electric, with fans filling the stands to watch two top-tier teams go head-to-head. The Sooners’ ace, Kierston Deal, took the mound with an air of confidence and determination. Deal, a left-handed pitcher who has made waves in collegiate softball with her deceptive arsenal of pitches, was poised to continue her dominance in the circle.

Deal wasted no time asserting her control. From the first pitch, it was clear that Tulsa would have their hands full with the seasoned veteran. With her fluid delivery and pinpoint accuracy, Deal kept the Tulsa hitters off balance all game long. She showcased her repertoire of pitches—an overpowering fastball, a devastating curveball, and an effective changeup that made Tulsa’s hitters look clueless at the plate. Deal struck out six of the first nine batters she faced, and her ability to work both the inside and outside corners of the plate kept the Tulsa offense at bay.

Tulsa, which had been riding high on the back of some strong recent performances, was clearly overmatched by Deal’s masterful pitching. She pitched to contact when necessary, forcing the Tulsa hitters to swing at pitches they couldn’t handle, but she also demonstrated her ability to make key strikeouts when the situation called for it. The energy on the field was palpable as Deal’s dominance continued, and Sooners fans were treated to a clinic in pitching.

By the time the third inning rolled around, Tulsa had yet to register a hit, and the Sooners were already beginning to pull away on the scoreboard. Deal’s composure and poise under pressure were evident, and her leadership on the mound was setting the tone for the rest of the team.

“Kierston has been a force for us all year,” said Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso after the game. “Her ability to control the game and keep hitters off balance is something special. She showed today why she’s one of the best pitchers in the country.”

The Sooners’ defense also played a flawless game behind Deal. Their infield, led by the ever-reliable shortstop, turned key double plays, and the outfielders were quick to track down any potential hits that made it past the infield. The defense’s stellar support only amplified Deal’s performance, making her job that much easier. As the game wore on, it became clear that Tulsa was not going to be able to mount any significant offensive threats against the dominant pitching display from Deal.

Kasidi Pickering Powers the Offense

While Deal’s pitching performance was certainly the highlight of the game, the Sooners’ offense was more than up to the task as well. Tulsa’s pitchers had their own challenges, facing an Oklahoma lineup that was stacked with talented hitters capable of turning a game around in a single swing. Among the Sooners’ many power hitters, one stood out in particular: Kasidi Pickering.

Pickering, who has been one of the most feared hitters in the NCAA, had already shown glimpses of her potential earlier in the season, but this game would provide a stage for her to truly shine. The junior outfielder, known for her incredible bat speed and power, delivered a moment of pure baseball brilliance in the bottom of the third inning.

With two runners on base and the Sooners holding a commanding 4-0 lead, Pickering stepped into the batter’s box with a sense of urgency. After working the count to 2-1, Pickering found a pitch she liked—a fastball over the middle of the plate. Without hesitation, she unloaded. The crack of the bat echoed through the stadium as the ball soared into the air, a towering shot that cleared the outfield fence in a hurry.

Pickering had just launched a three-run home run, pushing the Sooners’ lead to 7-0 and effectively putting the game out of reach. The ball had barely left her bat before the crowd erupted in cheers, and her teammates gathered at home plate to congratulate her on yet another clutch performance. Pickering’s swing had been pure power and precision, a perfect example of why she is considered one of the premier power hitters in the nation.

“Kasidi is a game-changer,” said Gasso. “She has the ability to put a game out of reach with one swing, and today, she did just that. She’s a true competitor, and we’re lucky to have her in our lineup.”

The three-run blast not only energized the crowd but also put immense pressure on the Tulsa defense, which struggled to recover from the blow. The Sooners’ offense was firing on all cylinders, and with the lead now firmly in hand, it was only a matter of time before they would finish the game early.

A Dominant Victory

By the fourth inning, the Sooners were well on their way to securing a mercy-rule victory. Tulsa’s pitchers had no answers for the offensive onslaught, and Deal continued to cruise in the circle. As the game approached its final moments, it was clear that the Sooners would emerge victorious, with both their pitching and hitting dominating in a way that left little doubt about their supremacy.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Sooners’ offense exploded for an additional four runs, capped off by a two-RBI single from senior infielder Tiare Jennings. With the score now 11-0, the mercy rule was invoked, and the game was called early, giving Oklahoma a commanding, run-rule victory.

As the Sooners gathered in the outfield to celebrate their opening-game triumph, it was evident that the team’s chemistry and talent were firing on all cylinders. Deal had shown why she was one of the best pitchers in the country, while Pickering had reminded everyone of her elite power-hitting ability. Together, they had put on a show that would set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Looking Ahead: A Strong Start to the Tournament

For the Oklahoma Sooners, the opening game of the Norman Tournament was the perfect way to begin their quest for another title. With Kierston Deal in the circle and Kasidi Pickering in the batter’s box, they are a team that few can match. Their combination of pitching excellence, defensive support, and explosive offensive power makes them a formidable force in college softball, and their performance against Tulsa only reinforced that fact.

The Sooners will look to carry this momentum forward into the remainder of the tournament. With more tough matchups on the horizon, they know they can rely on their stars to step up when needed. However, Oklahoma is not a team that simply relies on individual performances. Their depth and overall team chemistry make them a true powerhouse, and it is this combination of talent and unity that has made them so successful for years.

For Tulsa, while the game may not have gone as planned, the team can take away valuable lessons from the contest. They were up against one of the toughest teams in the nation and will have another opportunity to prove themselves in future matchups. The team’s young talent and resilient spirit suggest that they will bounce back stronger and be a competitive force in the tournament.

In the end, however, the day belonged to the Oklahoma Sooners, who demonstrated why they are among the elite teams in collegiate softball. With Kierston Deal on the mound and Kasidi Pickering leading the charge at the plate, the Sooners are a team to be reckoned with—one that is poised to make a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.