Softball: Terriers to Face Four-Time Reigning Champion Oklahoma in NCAA Tournament Opener

By Grace Robbins

The Boston University Softball Team (38-17), fresh off their third consecutive Patriot League championship, will open NCAA tournament play in the Norman Regional against No. 2 seed Oklahoma (45-7), the four-time reigning national champion. 

The NCAA softball tournament bracket was announced Sunday night, setting the stage for 64 teams chasing a national title. 

The Terriers delivered some of their best softball of the season in the Patriot League title series against Army West Point, cruising to an 8-0 run-rule win and ending with a 3-2 comeback victory to clinch the trophy.

In the opener, junior ace Kasey Ricard tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing six hits and striking out seven.

At the plate, junior infielder Brooke Deppiesse sparked the offense with a 4-for-4 performance, including two doubles and three RBIs. Sophomore infielder Kyomi Apalit added to the scoring with a two-run homer to extend BU’s lead.

However, the championship game unfolded differently for the Terriers and Ricard. Army struck early with a two-run homer in the first inning, prompting Head Coach Ashley Waters to pull Ricard and bring in Danika Nell. The first-year pitcher delivered under pressure, throwing seven shutout innings, giving up six hits and one walk while striking out three. 

Deppiesse again sparked the Terriers with an RBI and caused trouble on the basepaths, helping the Terriers capitalize on the Black Knights’ errors to tie the game. Sophomore outfielder Kylie Doherty came through in the clutch, driving a single through the gap to score Deppiesse and give BU the go-ahead run it held onto for the win.

Now, the Terriers turn their attention to their toughest test yet: the Oklahoma Sooners, led by legendary Head Coach Patty Gasso and eyeing a historic fifth consecutive national title. Despite their SEC championship game against No. 1 Texas A&M being canceled due to weather, the Sooners remain a dominant force on the national stage.

Right-handed pitcher Sam Landry anchors the Sooners’ staff with a 19-4 record, a 2.04 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP over more than 150 innings. At the plate, utility player Ella Parker leads the offense, batting .417 with 60 hits and 44 RBIs. Oklahoma features nine hitters batting above .300. 

Oklahoma graduated its iconic senior class that led the program to four consecutive national championships — a group that included household names like Tiare Jennings, Jayda Coleman and Alyssa Brito. 

While this year’s roster represents a new era for the program, the Sooners remain a powerhouse. Gasso leans on a talented core, including right fielder Kasidi Pickering, catcher Isabela Emerling and first baseman Cydney Sanders, in addition to Landry. 

Over the past four Women’s College World Series, Oklahoma players have repeatedly earned Most Outstanding Player honors, including pitchers Kelly Maxwell, Jordy Bahl and Giselle Juarez, as well as designated player Jocelyn Alo. All four have since graduated, marking a generational shift in the lineup — but not a drop in expectations. 

For BU, it’s the toughest test of the season and a rare opportunity to make a national statement on college softball’s biggest stage. 

NCAA tournament play begins Friday at 6 p.m., when the Terriers take on the Sooners at Love’s Field in Norman, Oklahoma. The game will be streamed live on ESPNU and ESPN+.