Oklahoma softball: Five reasons to like OU's chances of WCWS three-peat

Oklahoma softball: Five reasons to like OU’s chances of WCWS three-peat

By Chip Rouse | May 31, 2018

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - OCTOBER 20: Jennifer Salling of Canada prepares to hit during the Softball Preliminary Round match between the U.S. and Canada during Day Six of the XVI Pan American Games at the Panamerican Softball Stadium on October 20, 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images) /

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WICHITA, KS – AUGUST 06: Pitcher Tim Hudson #15 of the Kansas Stars delivers a pitch against the Colorado Xpress in the second inning during the NBC World Series on August 6, 2016 at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Virtual home-field environment

OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City (formerly ASA Hall of Fame Stadium) has been the site of the Women’s College World Series since 1990.

Sooner fans don’t have to travel far to support their team. the WCWS site is just a 45-minute drive from the OU campus, and Oklahoma has been fortunate to end its season their seven times in the last eight seasons.

You have to believe that the proximity of the WCWS venue has played a major role in the Sooners winning the national championship in three of the last five seasons (2013, 2016 and 2017). Having great players and a great head coach has a lot to do with it as well, but full fan support makes it feel like a home-field environment, even though it is considered a neutral field.

Including this season, head coach Patty Gasso has taken her team to the WCWS in Oklahoma city 12 times since 2000.

The Sooners are 27-14 in World Series games in Oklahoma City under Gasso. They are 10-1 the last two seasons.

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