Oklahoma Softball Coach Patty Gasso: “We’re Not Good Enough” After Loss to Tennessee; Gasso Identifies Key Fix for the Team…
In a candid post-game interview, Oklahoma Softball Head Coach Patty Gasso expressed frustration and determination after her team suffered a tough loss to Tennessee. The loss, which ended in a 5-2 defeat, left Gasso reflecting on her team’s performance and the areas that need improvement as the season progresses.
After the game, Gasso didn’t hold back in assessing her team’s performance, stating, “We’re not good enough. We know we’re capable of so much more, but we just didn’t show it today.” The loss marked a significant setback for the Sooners, who are usually a powerhouse in college softball. While the defeat stung, it wasn’t just the result that disappointed Gasso but the team’s overall execution, especially in key moments of the game.
The Sooners struggled with their offensive production against Tennessee’s pitcher, who was on top of her game. Oklahoma’s offense, which has typically been explosive, struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving several runners stranded in scoring positions. Gasso highlighted that her team’s inability to string together hits and get timely runs was a major factor in the loss. “We didn’t adjust to their pitcher. We didn’t do a good enough job of making the necessary adjustments at the plate, and that hurt us,” she explained.
Defensively, Gasso pointed to a few critical errors that compounded the team’s struggles. While Oklahoma’s defense has been generally solid this season, in this game, they gave Tennessee extra chances by failing to execute routine plays. The Sooners gave up a couple of unearned runs, something that Gasso knows can’t happen if the team hopes to make a deep postseason run.
Despite the disappointment, Gasso was quick to offer solutions. “We need to get back to the basics,” she said. “The fundamentals are what win games, especially in tight situations like the one we just faced.” Gasso believes that returning to their fundamental approach, focusing on executing the basics under pressure, and improving discipline at the plate are key areas for the Sooners moving forward.
One of the biggest takeaways from Gasso’s comments was her emphasis on mental toughness. “It’s about staying focused, staying composed, and not letting one mistake snowball into more,” she noted. The mental aspect of the game, Gasso added, is something that has been a staple of the Sooners’ success in previous years, and it’s something that must be reinstated quickly to get back on track.
Gasso also mentioned the importance of leadership, both from her experienced players and those stepping into more prominent roles this season. “We have the talent to overcome this,” she said. “But we need the leadership to step up, not just in terms of skills but in terms of mindset. Leadership is about showing up when it matters most, and we need to be better at that.”
The Sooners have a tough schedule ahead, with multiple ranked opponents lined up in the coming weeks. Gasso’s challenge will be to rally her team, restore confidence, and refine the areas of weakness exposed by the Tennessee loss. Oklahoma remains a formidable team in college softball, and while this loss was a setback, Gasso’s leadership and the team’s resolve will be key in navigating the challenges ahead.
“We’re going to learn from this. We’re going to grow. But we have to be better. And I believe we will be,” Gasso concluded. As the Sooners look ahead to their next games, one thing is clear: they are determined to fix what went wrong and get back to playing the championship-caliber softball that has defined their program under Gasso’s leadership…
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