Marquee Matchup in Store as Tigers Host No. 6/4 Oklahoma

Wednesday, March 18

Memphis, Tenn.

6 p.m.

University of Memphis

Oklahoma

Marquee Matchup in Store as Tigers Host No. 6/4 Oklahoma

Mar 17, 2026 | Softball

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis softball prepares for its biggest night of the season in a nonconference contest against national power, No. 6/4 Oklahoma, in front of a sold-out crowd at Tigers Softball Complex Wednesday night.

In its first year of ticketing, Memphis will host its first sellout crowd Wednesday night at 6 p.m. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN+ with Jeff Brightwell and Tyler Springs on the call.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS

Memphis (7-19, 0-6 American) comes into the game after falling in three games to UTSA over the weekend.

Ariel Davis continues to establish herself as Memphis' strongest hitter, leading the team in average (.372), hits (29), runs (19), doubles (five), triples (two), home runs (five) and RBI (14). Paris Brienesse, Faith Brown and Jasmine Mack round out the team's hitters above the .300 mark. Brienesse carries a team-best five stolen bases, while Mack's five doubles are tied with Davis for the top mark and Brown's three home runs are good for second on the team.

Despite being close to matching their previous season's home run total, Memphis has still stuck to its philosophy of small ball, ranking 21^st in the nation in sacrifice bunts with 20, led by Deana Cunningham's eight. Cunningham ranks seventh in the country in sacrifice bunts per game.

Jericho Tate and Avery Stutts have seen continued utilization in the circle, having started 16 games between them and making a combined total of 30 appearances. Tate's 5.34 ERA leads Memphis while Stutts' 47 innings pitched and 19 strikeouts are top marks on the staff.

SCOUTING THE SOONERS

Oklahoma (28-2, 3-0 SEC) continues its reign as a national powerhouse at the halfway mark of the season, sitting near or within the top five in all polls. The eight-time NCAA champions, including three-straight from 2022-24, come to Memphis after sweeping Auburn by a combined run total of 35-12.

The Sooners boast top numbers in the NCAA in batting average (.452), hits (379), home runs (115), on-base percentage (.541), RBI (379), slugging percentage (.944) and total runs scored (386) while becoming the fastest team in NCAA history to 100 home runs in a season, reaching the mark in 25 games.

At the plate, three hitters (Kendall Wells, Gabbie Garcia, Ella Parker) are in the top 10 nationally in home runs, with Wells' 21 being tied for the national lead with UCLA's Megan Grant. The trio are also all in the top 10 in RBI, with Kasidi Pickering and Kai Minor logging some of the highest runs-scored marks in the nation. Pickering's 45 runs are second in the NCAA, while Minor's 35 are good for 24^th while carrying a .519 batting average, 10^th in the nation.

In the circle, Oklahoma holds a 2.96 ERA and has spread its innings amongst five primary pitchers who have seen at least 10 innings, with only two sitting above 30 innings pitched on the team. The tandem of Audrey Lowry and Miali Guachino have pitched the bulk of the innings and have a combined record of 20-1, holding opposing hitters to .197 and .167 batting averages, respectively. Lowry, a sophomore from Pittsboro, Indiana, has tossed 59.2 innings to a 13-1 record with a 2.23 ERA, only allowing 19 earned runs all season.

SERIES HISTORY VS. OKLAHOMA

The Tigers and Sooners have faced off just two times before with both games taking place in Norman during the 2008 season. Oklahoma earned wins in both games by a combined run total of 27-0.

SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Single-game tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. Ticket prices will vary based on seat location (standing room only or reserved bleachers), denoted by a color-coded wristband.

Tickets will be free for all current University of Memphis students. Up to two fans ages 17 and under will be allowed free admission per paid adult that enters with them. Please note that tickets for children ages 17 and under will be for the standing room only section. Reserved seating tickets must be purchased if adults would like them to have a seat in the bleachers.

As a reminder, fans are not permitted to bring umbrellas into the venue and Tigers Softball Complex has a clear bag policy.

Tickets can be purchased using THIS LINK.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram , and Facebook.