Norman Regional: Preview

Hynes Field

Teams: Oklahoma, Tulsa, Missouri State, Iona
Location: Hynes Field (Norman, OK)

Players to watch:
Keilani Ricketts, Oklahoma
Aimee Creger, Tulsa
Caitlin Everett, Tulsa
Kirstin Culler, Missouri State
Sarah Jackson, Iona

Interesting storyline: Oklahoma vs. Tulsa round 3. Oklahoma and Tulsa split for the third straight year and this regional will see these teams go at it once again. Both teams have stud pitchers in the circle and both teams want this regional badly. Oklahoma has not been back to Oklahoma City for the WCWS since 2004 and they want to get back. This year's Oklahoma squad has dealt with its share of adversity, but here they are in the postseason looking to make a splash.

Runner up: This is sad and unfortunate and the timing could not be any worse for Missouri State. Natalie Rose was probably the biggest reason why the Bears even made Regionals in the first plate and without her it may be a very short stay. Rose was a workhorse in the circle for the Bears and they are going to miss her.

Sarah Jackson

Iona may be seeded fourth at this regional, but they should not be taken lightly. Iona came into the MAAC Tournament this year as the 4 seed and after losing the first game of the tournament, they had to battle out of the loser's bracket to win the title. Sarah Jackson was on her game during the entire tournament and Iona finally broke out the bats behind her. Jackson will need to be smart about how she pitches to some big hitters this weekend, but Iona may have a shot at this. The Gaels are led at the plate by Alyssa Maiese, who is having an outstanding year at the plate, hitting .365 with 12 HR and 37 RBI. The Gaels will need her come through for them and they will also need Eileen McCann to come through for them. McCann had a wonderful season 2010 season and has struggled a little bit in 2011, but if she can get things going the Gaels will have a chance.

Missouri State is in some trouble now that Natalie Rose will not be pitching and I see them having a short stay in Norman. Rose was a tough competitor, who could deal it in the circle, but she was Missouri State softball this season and it is hard to see them doing anything without her. Kirstin Cutter will lead the offensive charge, that will have its work cut out for them against some excellent pitching.

Tulsa is a force to be reckoned with and they could take this regional. Aimee Creger can deal it in the circle and she is very tough to beat. Creger is 24-2 with a 0.79 ERA and 247 SO in 185 innings. One of her two losses was in the second game of her career to NCAA Regional participant Louisville and the other was a 2-0 loss to NCAA participant Houston. Creger needs to start every game in the circle for Tulsa until she loses, as they can't mess around like they did at the Conference USA Tournament. At the plate, Caitlin Everett is one of the best leadoff hitters around, hitting .407 with 72 hits and 32 steals. If the Golden Hurricanes can get her on base, then the big bats of Samantha Cobb and Kelly Chapman can drive her in. Tulsa does not play a flashy brand of softball, but they are a solid fundamental team and they have a chance to win every time they step on the field.

Keilani Ricketts

Oklahoma is playing at home this season for regionals this after hitting the road to go to College Park, MD last year. The Sooners are led by Keilani Ricketts in the circle and she is a force, as she throws the ball very hard and she also has a knee buckling changeup. Ricketts is going to be in the circle until her arm falls off and the teams at this regional will need to figure out how to hit her. Oklahoma has a speedy and powerful lineup that can hurt opponents in many different ways. Destinee Martinez, Chana'e Jones, and Brianna Turang bring a lot of speed and bat control to the Sooner lineup and when they can reach base the Sooners score. Jessica Shults and Brittany Williams are the big bats in Oklahoma's lineup and opposing pitchers must be careful when pitching to these two players. Oklahoma has struggled in past postseasons and it will be interesting to see if they can get the job done on their home field.

Winner: Oklahoma...but do not be surprised if Tulsa wins this one