University of Oklahoma Athletics

NCAA Softball Regional Media Day: Oklahoma

Oklahoma Head Coach Patty Gasso

On how well she thinks her team is playing right now:
“I’m very confident with this group. I think we went through a little lull earlier in the year, but even then we were still playing well. Towards the end of the year we really started to play well, so I feel very good heading into this weekend.”

On when that lull was:
“It was about a two or three-week period around the Iowa State weekend. Looking at the numbers it may be hard to see our struggle, but we felt it internally. We left too many runners in scoring position and played a little sloppy. Overall, I think we cleaned that up pretty well.”

On the progress of the freshman class throughout the season:
“Our freshmen are a major reason why we are where we are today. I didn’t know what to anticipate from this group, but our seniors did a great job of bringing our freshmen in, accepting them and teaching them our style. This is the closest team I’ve ever had. They all really and truly enjoy one another, and I can’t tell you what a difference that makes both on and off the field.”

On how the team managed to be number one in batting average and fielding percentage:
“A lot of hard work. The word that describes this group is athletic. Tough plays, bad hops, all those plays that can change a game, this group stands in and gets it done. They’re not afraid of anything and are very team oriented. They’re competitors who love to play ball. Those things have made this an enjoyable journey.”

On this year’s pitching depth compared to years prior:
“I wouldn’t say this year’s depth is better or worse, because we’ve had some tremendous players come through here. This year is just such a team-oriented base that I feel confident reaching deep into our bullpen and counting on anyone at any time.”

On if she predicted this year’s success during such a transition year:
“I dreamed about it. We’re just in a very different season than where we were last year. A year ago we had Lauren Chamberlin fighting for the home run record, and Shelby Pendley on the same team chasing the same record. I don’t know if we’ll ever see anything like that again. Some of the biggest names in our program have recently graduated, and this year’s senior class who were once-forgotten freshmen, have been instrumental to our success this year. In my mind, this senior class will undoubtedly leave their mark on this university. There has been a lot of transition and a lot has changed from last year, but this year has been such an incredible journey and I certainly don’t want it to end. It’s going to be hard to stop this group.”

Oklahoma Pitcher Paige Parker

On her season-long inning limit and how she’s feeling fatigue wise:
“I feel really good this year. I feel a lot better this year as opposed to last year at this point. I’m really excited to be headed into the postseason.”

On how she approaches games:
“For me, it’s all about making adjustments. Taking what I’ve learned from a game one or game two and applying that to game three can really help. Just coming out with a really good game plan every time I step out onto the mound really helps. Coach (Melyssa) Lombardi does a fantastic job of setting up those game plans, and we all work really hard to execute those plans for every game.”

On if she thinks about the Alabama series last season:
“Not anymore. This is a new year and a new team with a new mindset.”

Oklahoma Outfielder Erin Miller

On the leadership of the senior class:
“At the beginning of the year we seniors tried to steer our underclassmen in the right direction. We’re on level playing field here, and they’ve shown that they can play up to our standard and I think they hold their own.”

On her expanded role and production this season:
“I think it’s first a testament to Coach (Patty) Gasso and the type of players she produces here at OU. I also would contribute my success to the people I was around my last three years. They changed my mindset and my freshman year was all about learning. I was on the bench and just being humble and learning has made this journey all the more amazing. However, it’s not about me but this team and how we finish.”

On how she would compare the closeness of this team to years prior:
“I think this year’s dynamic is different. We don’t have any all-star type players, so we all take on the burden of making plays and getting wins. Having to do that makes our team even closer and that ties into our mantra earlier on the season of just being a closer-knit team.”

Oklahoma Outfielder Kady Self

On how she would compare the closeness of this team to years prior:
“Off the field we all have different personalities, but we all get along really well and that translates to better production on the field.”