Big 12 softball standings ahead of conference opening weekend

The Oklahoma Sooners completed the nonconference portion of their schedule with a 5-0 weekend at the Hall of Fame Classic. At 27-1, and in the middle of a 19-game winning streak, the Sooners are playing some great softball.

In recent weeks, the Sooners have picked up big wins over top 10 opponents like UCLA and Florida State. Heading into Big 12 play, Oklahoma remains the favorite in the conference, but several challengers have emerged that could derail their title hopes.

Oklahoma State, Texas, and Baylor have had strong starts to the season and will be on the Sooners’ heels in the push to the Women’s College World Series.

Here’s a look at where the teams stand ahead of Big 12’s opening weekend.

Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 27-1

vs. top 25: 9-0

Last week

The Sooners picked up wins over South Dakota State and a huge win over national title contender Florida State in a pair of midweek matchups. Then went 5-0 in the Hall of Fame Classic in Oklahoma City, which included three top 25 wins.

Up Next

Sooners travel to Ames, Iowa to take on the Cyclones, who currently hold the worst record in the conference after nonconference play.

Oklahoma State Cowgirls

Record: 25-2

vs. top 25: 7-1

Last week

Had a 4-0 weekend in Stillwater with wins over Arizona State and Minnesota, and a pair over future Big 12 foe UCF. The Cowgirls collected three shutout wins. This comes a week after they took a three-game series vs. Florida State.

Up Next

Oklahoma State will host North Texas before top 25 showdown in Stillwater with the only team to beat the Oklahoma Sooners in 2023; the Baylor Bears.

Texas Longhorns

Record: 26-5

vs. top 25: 2-3-1

Last Week

Went 4-1 in the South Florida Showdown, dropping their Friday evening matchup with South Florida, 4-3. The week prior, went 3-2 in the Bevo Classic, losing to Alabama and an extra innings thriller to Texas State.

Up Next

The Longhorns will play a midweek matchup against Stephen F. Austin before hosting the Texas Tech Red Raiders to open Big 12 play.

Baylor Bears

Record: 22-5

vs. top 25: 2-1

Last week

Beat South Dakota State in a double-header on Wednesday before sweeping future Big 12 foe Houston in a three-game series over the weekend.

Up Next

The Baylor Bears travel to Stillwater to take on the Oklahoma State Cowgirls in a top 25 showdown. The pitching matchup between Kelly Maxwell and Dariana Orme will be must-see television.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Record: 25-8

vs. top 25: 1-1

Last week

Swept Texas State in a midweek doubleheader and then went 3-1 in the Maryland Tournament, splitting a pair of contests with the No. 22 Terrapins.

Up Next

Texas Tech will host Abilene Christian on Wednesday before heading to Austin for a showdown with the Longhorns.

Kansas Jayhawks

Record: 17-11

vs. top 25: 0-2

Last week

The Jayhawks went 4-0 in the Rock Chalk challenge, defeating Nebraska, Kansas City, and picking up a pair of wins over Tulsa. They dropped a midweek showdown with No. 22 Wichita State.

Up Next

The Jayhawks are off this weekend but will play at Kansas City on March 28 before traveling to Waco to face the Baylor Bears next weekend.

Iowa State Cyclones

Record: 11-13

vs. top 25: 0-2

Last week

Had cancelled dates with future Big 12 member BYU and postponements with Omaha. Prior to that, went 4-1 in the Rainbow Wahine Classic in Honolulu, splitting a pair with the host Hawaii.

Up Next

The Cyclones get the unfortunate task of hosting a rested and rejuvenated Oklahoma Sooners squad. The Sooners are in the midst of a 19-game winning streak.

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Story originally appeared on Sooners Wire