Oklahoma – Oklahoma makes its 18th consecutive appearance in the event, including every season of the Patty Gasso era. The Sooners own an 18-15 record against teams in the field of 64.  Like many other teams, the Sooners played in three prestigious tournaments, the Kajikawa Classic, Cathedral City Classic and Judi German Classic.  There they defeated the likes of Arizona, Washington and DePaul.

Destinee Martinez leads the squad with a .365 average.  The freshman’s 72 hits are not only a team-high, but also a conference high.  But it’s Jessica Shults that is the big bopper on the team.  Schults has hit a league-high 19 home runs, driven in 58 RBI, walked 32 times and sports a .768 slugging percentage.  Brianna Turang has stolen 21 bases and Dani Dobbs leads the team with 13 doubles.

Keilani Ricketts is the team’s ace and has been counted on a lot by the Sooners.  She’s out together a 25-12 record and sports a 1.45 ERA.  Opponents are batting .184 against her.  She has struck out a ridiculous 389 batters, while only walking 65.

Tulsa – Tulsa heads into NCAA play this week after winning 11 of its’ last 13 games. The Hurricane has posted a 29-6 record over the last 35 games, as all six losses have come against teams making the NCAA Tournament field.  It is their fourth appearance in the postseason, with all four coming since 2006, the last being in 2009.  Tulsa and Missouri State met once this season on April 28th as the Hurricane captured a 4-0 home victory. Tulsa and Oklahoma split the season series 1-1. They come into the tournament having won eight of their last 10.

The Hurricane don’t have one player who is far and above an offensive power like some other teams do, but they are very balanced.  Caitlin Everett leads the team in hitting with a .407 average and also has 72 hits and 32 stolen bases, both team bests, as well.  Samantha Cobb leads the team in doubles (13) and RBI (44).  She, as well as Skylar Swanson, each have five home runs.  Kelly Chapman leads the club in homers with seven.

Aimee Creger is the ace. No if’s and’s or but’s about it.  With a 24-2 record and 0.79 ERA, it’s hard to argue with that.  The freshman has struck out 247 opponents and hitters are batting .125 against her

Iona – The Gaels clinched their second consecutive conference title and are going to the NCAA Tournament again.  Iona comes into the tournament winning 14 of their last 17 games.

Alyssa Maiese leads Iona in all major offensive categories, but on-base percentage, and it’s not even close.  Her .373 batting average is 31 points higher than the next player; her 56 hits are 19 more than the next; her 11 home runs are five more than the next; 12 more RBI; and 277 slugging percentage points.

Sarah Jackson and Maiese are the two primary pitchers.  Jackson has a 15-8 record and 1.97 ERA.  She’s struck out 203 batters during the season.  Maiese has also started a good number of games.  She has a 12-8 record on the season

Missouri State – The conference title victory marked the school’s sixth MVC Tournament title and propelled the Bears to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006.  The Bears defeated Indiana earlier in the season; the win looks a lot better now than it did at the time.  The team also played Oklahoma and Oklahoma State tough, losing 1-0 to each.

Missouri State isn’t much of an offensive power and has actually been outscored by their opponents.  But they do have five hitters batting .260 or above.  Kirstin Cutter leads the team with a .307 average and 47 hits.  She has also swiped 15 of 16 bases.  Ashley Knehans leads the team with 27 RBI and is one of four players with two home runs.  Stevie Pierce leads the team with three dingers and is one of four hitters with 10 RBI.

Natalie Rose is the team’s top pitcher, having compiled a 22-19 record in 49 appearances.  She’s also got a 2.11 ERA and 258 strikeouts.