OU Softball: Sooners No-Hit UCA To Start Regional

No. 11 seed Oklahoma pitched a shutout against Central Arkansas on Friday to start the Sooners' NCAA tournament run. It's an easy thing to do when the other team doesn't even have a hit.

Freshman Paige Parker and junior Kelsey Stevens combined to throw a no-hitter as the Sooners defeated UCA, 8-0.

Parker got the start and walked just one batter through the first four innings. She was relieved by Stevens in the fifth, who walked one and struck out two batters to keep the no-hitter intact.

The OU pitchers got plenty of run support, as the Sooners exploded for six runs in the first inning, four coming on a grand slam from freshman Lea Wodach. After the big first inning, it was just a matter of time before the Sooners accumulated enough runs to finish off the run-rule victory.

Oklahoma has won 11 straight regional games and 16 of its past 17 dating back to 2010. In the 11-game win streak, OU has outscored opponents, 149-33.

The Sooners will face Texas A&M in the winner's bracket game at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The winner will advance to Sunday's championship game, while the loser will have to play an elimination game Saturday night.