NORMAN — Due to expected inclement weather this weekend, Oklahoma Softball has announced an altered schedule for its Okana Invitational…

NORMAN — Due to expected inclement weather this weekend, Oklahoma Softball has announced an altered schedule for its Okana Invitational…

NORMAN – As the weekend approaches, Oklahoma Softball has made the decision to alter the schedule for the much-anticipated Okana Invitational, originally set to take place at Marita Hynes Field. With inclement weather forecasted for the region, including heavy rain and potential thunderstorms, the team’s athletic department has moved swiftly to adjust the event’s timing in order to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans while also maintaining the integrity of the competition.

 

The Okana Invitational, which typically serves as a key early-season test for the Oklahoma Sooners and their competitors, will now feature a revised slate of games. The event, which was initially set to run across three days, will now take place over a condensed two-day period, with the first game scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 7th at 10:00 AM. Organizers are hopeful that this adjusted schedule will allow teams to play a majority of their matchups while minimizing the impact of the adverse weather conditions.

 

“We’ve been monitoring the weather closely for several days, and while we were hopeful for favorable conditions, it’s clear that we need to adjust our plans to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved,” said Oklahoma Softball head coach Patty Gasso. “Our priority is to provide a competitive experience for our team and our guests while ensuring that everyone remains safe. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and understanding as we navigate this weather situation.”

 

For the teams involved in the Okana Invitational, which includes the No. 1-ranked Oklahoma Sooners, as well as several other high-level programs from across the country, the altered schedule will provide a unique set of challenges. While the shortened timeframe may affect team preparations, Gasso is confident that her squad’s experience will allow them to adapt on the fly.

 

“We’ve faced all kinds of situations like this over the years, and our players are accustomed to rolling with the punches. We’ll make the best of it,” Gasso continued. “We know it’s going to be a packed weekend with limited time to play, but we’re ready to take on the challenge.”

 

To accommodate the revised schedule, the remainder of the event will see each of the participating teams play back-to-back games, with the final match of the weekend scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM. This condensed schedule means there will be no room for rescheduling, so organizers are urging fans to be prepared for potential delays, as some games may be adjusted on short notice based on weather conditions.

 

In terms of fan attendance, organizers are advising attendees to check weather reports and plan accordingly, as there may be delays between games due to weather interruptions. The athletic department also encourages fans to stay connected to official Oklahoma Softball social media channels for real-time updates regarding any further changes to the schedule.

 

The Okana Invitational, named after the iconic Okana Stadium and established to showcase some of the best talent in collegiate softball, has become an integral part of the Sooners’ early-season competition schedule. This year’s event was poised to draw significant attention, particularly as Oklahoma looks to defend its national championship and continue its dominance in NCAA softball.

 

As the teams prepare for this weekend’s action, fans and players alike will be hoping for clear skies after the rain, ensuring that the Okana Invitational delivers thrilling softball as planned, despite the unpredictable weather. With the season heating up, each matchup promises to offer a glimpse of the high-level competition that will define the 2025 NCAA Softball season.

 

For those unable to attend in person, the games will still be broadcast live on ESPN+, allowing fans to follow the action from home.