No. 2 OU (40-3, 13-1 SEC) defeated No. 4 Texas (32-6, 9-5 SEC) 4-3, behind a record-setting night from freshman catcher Kendall Wells, who delivered a go-ahead three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning to lift the Sooners. 

The blast marked Wells’ 31st of the season, setting a new NCAA freshman single-season home run record and providing the decisive swing in the win.

Here are key takeaways:

Wells sets freshman home run record

OU freshman catcher Kendall Wells, who has displayed her raw power since the opening game of the season, officially set the NCAA freshman single-season home run record with her 31st home run of the year.

RECORD-SETTING GO-AHEAD KW BOMB 💣@KendallWells__ | 📺ESPN pic.twitter.com/0eFXByZP4g

— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) April 12, 2026

The record-setting home run was hit deep out into the Texas sky in left field, nearly connecting with the apartment buildings behind Red and Charline McCombs field. 

Wells broke a four-way tie at 30 home runs, surpassing marks set by Hawaii’s Kelly Majam and former Sooner standouts Jocelyn Alo and Lauren Chamberlain.

The freshman’s home run was not only record-breaking but game-defining as well. With the Sooners trailing 2-1 in the fifth inning, Wells’ three-run blast put OU in front for good.

Wells will now turn her attention to chasing additional milestones, including OU’s single-season home run record of 34 set by Jocelyn Alo in 2021 and 2022, as well as the NCAA all-time single-season mark of 37, held by former Arizona standout Laura Espinoza.

She will have 12 more games to continue to rewrite the record books as she sets her sights on both OU and NCAA history.

Pitching continues to deliver

OU sophomore pitcher Miali Guachino took the mound to start game two and continued her dominance behind ace Audrey Lowry, adding to an already strong season in the circle.

6 Ks through 5 for Miali. E5 | OU 4, Texas 3📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/QnsWH0f9W9

— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) April 12, 2026

Guachino threw six innings with seven strikeouts. Audrey Lowry entered in the seventh inning and secured the final outs, getting Texas senior catcher Reese Atwood to ground into a game-ending double play.

Though she allowed seven hits, Guachino managed trouble well, stranding six runners while allowing just three runs against a formidable Texas lineup.

BIG TIME 😮‍💨 @mialiguachino#NCAASoftball x 🎥 ESPN / @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/yoThwqAExH

— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) April 12, 2026

The sophomore improved to 12-0 on the season and will look to continue serving as a dominant force as part of a dynamic one-two punch alongside Lowry.

Sooners eyeing Red River Sweep

With back-to-back wins, OU will go for the three-game sweep over Texas on Sunday. 

A victory would give the Sooners’ wins in 15 of their last 16 series against the Longhorns. The Sooners dominance against the Longhorns has continued into the postseason in recent years as well, with OU defeating Texas in two national championship games (2024 and 2022).

Win No. 40, SERIES SECURED ✔️ pic.twitter.com/q9SJIvOuQ8

— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) April 12, 2026

OU became the first team in college softball to reach 40 wins on the season, doing so in just 43 games. 

The Sooners will have a chance for the sweep at 1 p.m Sunday at Red and Charline McCombs field on ESPN. 

This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.

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