2014 NCAA Softball Norman Regional Preview

The Norman regional begins tonight. Here’s a quick brief on what you need to know about each team entering the NCAA Norman Regional.

#7 Oklahoma Sooners — 45-10 (16-2 Big 12)

Conference: Big 12
Key Players: OF Kady Self, sophomore; OF Destinee Martinez, senior; INF/P Shelby Pendley, junior; INF/P Georgia Casey, junior.
Team Bio: The Big 12 Champs haven’t lost since April 18. Hosting their own regional, Oklahoma began the season a bit shaky, but the defending National Champions picked it up with a dominating performance in the Big 12. Oklahoma may have to go without Lauren Chamberlain, however, this is still a good enough group to move on to the Super Regional.

Hofstra Pride — 33-13 (11-4 CAA)

Conference: Colonial Athletic Association
Key Players: 1B/P Maggie Hawkins, sophomore; P Morgan Lashley, junior; C Erin Trippi, junior; OF Chloe Fitzgerald, sophomore.
Team Bio: Fell short of a third consecutive CAA conference title. Swept the Florida Gulf Coast Tournament and Hofstra Invitational. Maggie Hawkins leads team with nine home runs, 46 runs batted in, and 52 pitches. Chloe Fitzgerald’s .359 batting average best on the team, also finished with 52 hits this season. Morgan Lashley from the circle is 17-5 this season, a winning percentage of .773.

Texas A&M Aggies — 35-20 (9-15 SEC)

Conference: Southeastern Conference
Key Players: OF Emily Albus, senior; P Katie Marks, sophomore; C/1B Nicole Morgan, senior.
Team Bio: After being swept by Auburn, the Aggies are on a four game win streak heading in to the regional. They lost the Aggie Classic to Tulsa, went 3-2 in the Mary Nutter Classic, and swept the Texas A&M Invitational. Katie Marks lead Texas A&M, going 15-5 from the circle. With a wide variety of hitters, the Aggies could challenge in Norman.

Hofstra Pride — 32-20 (13-3 NEC)

Conference: Northeastern Conference
Key Players: P Elle Madsen, sophomore; OF Madeline Velasquez, junior; SS Aubrey Mable, senior.
Team Bio: Winners of the NEC championship. Went 1-4 in the UTSA Mid-Major Classic. After a shaky March, the Bulldogs turned it up in conference play. The Bulldogs managed a seven game win streak in April  and carry a three game win streak heading in to the regional. Elle Madsen is dangerous from the circle and at bat, she could be a difference maker for Hofstra.

Schedule:

Friday, May 16 (all times are Central)

• Game 1: Hofstra vs. Texas A&M, 5:00 PM
• Game 2: Oklahoma vs. Bryant, 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 17

• Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 1:00 PM
• Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 3:30 PM (Elimination Game)
• Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 6:00 PM

Sunday, May 18

• Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 1:00 PM
• Game 7: Necessary if Winner of Game 3 loses