No. 2 Oklahoma beat Abilene Christian 9-1 on Monday at Love’s Field behind a combination of power hitting and timely offense.

The Sooners (14-0) extended their winning streak to 17 games dating back to last season, capping off the Norman Tournament with a 9-1 run-rule victory over Abilene Christian (3-12).

Here are takeaways from the game:

Students pay about $14 in annual fees that support the Daily. If you are not a student and find value in our work, please match or exceed that if you can.

Sanders ignites the offense

Senior infielder Cydney Sanders once again proved to be a difference maker for the Sooners, delivering a two-run home run in the third inning to give Oklahoma its first lead of the game. Before that moment, OU’s offense had struggled to find its rhythm, managing just one baserunner in the first two innings. Sanders’ home run not only put the Sooners ahead 2-1 but also set off a four-run inning that shifted momentum entirely in OU’s favor.

It was Sanders’ second home run of the day after she crushed a grand slam in the earlier win over Bowling Green. She finished with seven RBIs across both games, continuing her standout senior season. The slugger has been one of Oklahoma’s most reliable hitters, and her ability to produce in key moments has been a crucial part of the Sooners’ early-season success.

Pitching and defense recover after early miscue

Oklahoma’s defense had a shaky start, as an error by junior right-handed pitcher Paytn Monticelli in the first inning allowed ACU to score an early run. But Monticelli quickly settled in, escaping the second inning with the help of a sharp defensive play from Sanders, who tagged out a runner after a deflected ball

Reliever Isabella Smith took over in the fourth and kept ACU in check, giving up just one hit before retiring the next three batters. Despite the early mistake, OU’s pitching and defense recovered well, keeping the Wildcats off the board for the rest of the game.

Parker seals it with a walk-off

Sophomore utility Ella Parker ensured that Oklahoma did not have to play into the later innings, delivering a two-run walk-off double to enforce the run rule in the fifth. By the time Parker stepped to the plate, OU had already scored twice in the inning thanks to a string of hits and a sacrifice fly. Facing a 3-1 count, Parker drove a pitch into the left-center field gap, bringing home freshman shortstop Gabbie Garcia and redshirt junior catcher Isabela Emerling to end the game.

Parker’s ability to come through in clutch situations has been a highlight for Oklahoma’s offense this season. Her walk-off hit was just the latest example of the team’s depth and ability to manufacture runs when needed. With multiple players contributing to the late-game surge, the Sooners showed they do not have to rely on just one or two key players to win games.