Oklahoma Sooners softball dominates Big 12 awards
After an incredible 45-1 season that culminated in their 10th straight regular season title, the Oklahoma Sooners dominated the Big 12’s all-conference awards.
Oklahoma had six first-team and one second-team selections to lead the conference and swept the individual awards as well.
Though the Sooners played to a litany of run-rule victories, they did face their fair share of adversity on their way to an incredible season. Like Saturday in the Bedlam and Big 12 regular season finale, the Sooners faced a one-run deficit in the fifth inning before Jocelyn Alo came through in the clutch with her second grand slam of the season.
As the Sooners get set for Big 12 tournament play, let’s take a look at each of the awards handed out to Oklahoma Sooners.
Coach of the Year: Patty Gasso
Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso is doused with water after a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 6, 2022. Oklahoma won 6-0. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
With 10 straight regular season Big 12 titles, Patty Gasso has cemented herself as one of the best collegiate coaches of all-time. After a 45-1 season, with their only loss coming to Red River rival Texas, the Sooners put together a tremendous season with Gasso at the helm.
The Sooners not only had a dominant offense in 2022, but a dominant trio of pitchers that Gasso expertly navigated.
Player of the Year: Jocelyn Alo
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates after a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 6, 2022. Oklahoma won 6-0. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Is there any surprise? The reigning Big 12 player of the year and national player of the year had anothe awesome season for the No. 1 team in the nation. Jocelyn Alo’s dominance will put her in the conversation as one of the greatest players of all-time.
On the season, Alo hit .476 with 24 home runs and 61 RBIs. Alo joins former Sooners Amber Flores and Shelby Pendleton as two-time winners of the conference’s top honor.
Defensive Player of the Year: Grace Lyons
Oklahoma shortstop Grace Lyons (3) celebrates a Washington strikeout during an NCAA softball game on Friday, May 28, 2021, in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 4-2. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Grace Lyons came into the 2022 season known for her dominant defensive play. She won the Big 12’s defensive player of the year award on 2021 as well. In the field and at the plate, Lyons was a revelation for the Sooners, coming through clutch at the plate and in the field throughout the season.
Co-Pitcher of the Year: Jordy Bahl
Oklahoma’s Jordyn Bahl (98) celebrates after a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, May 5, 2022. Oklahoma won 7-1. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
While Jocelyn Alo’s NCAA home run record chase dominated the headlines in the early part of the 2022 season, Jordy Bahl began to assert herself as one of the best pitchers in the country. Her ability, poise, and intensity earned helped her become one of the must-watch players in college softball.
Bahl was 21-1 with a 0.95 ERA in 132.1 innings pitched this season. She struck out 199 hitters along the way and allowed a batting average of just .137.
It’s the eighth time in school history that a Sooner has won the award.
Freshman of the Year: Jordy Bahl
Oklahoma’s Jordyn Bahl (98) celebrates after an out during a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, May 5, 2022. Oklahoma won 7-1. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Bahl’s dominant first year also earned her Big 12 freshman of the year honors. It’s the seventh straight season the Oklahoma Sooners have taken home the award. Further evidence of their dominance.
All-Big 12 First Team
Oklahoma’s Tiare Jennings (23) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, May 5, 2022. Oklahoma won 7-1. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
Oklahoma dominated first-team All-Big 12 honors led by Alo, Lyons, and Bahl. The best team in the country and Big 12 regular season champions had six first-team selections including Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, and Hope Trautwein who led the nation in ERA.
All-Big 12 Second Team
Feb 25, 2022; Cathedral City, CA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners utility player Alyssa Brito (33) bats against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
After starting out as a role player, Alyssa Brito came on strong in the middle of the season and became a key cog in the lineup and in the outfield for the Oklahoma Sooners earning All-Big 12 second team honors.
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