Oklahoma State Softball Set for NCAA Opening Round Match Up Against UMBC

STILLWATER – No. 6 national seed Oklahoma State (41-14 overall; 10-8 Big 12) is looking to turn things around in the postseason as the Cowgirls are set to face UMBC (26-15 overall) in the opening round of the NCAA Stillwater Regional on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT and will stream on ESPN+.

“Really, like, we’ll do anything to win the first game. I don’t care what it is. We will do anything to win the first game,” Gajewski said. “We have to win the first game. That’s the mentality, right?”

Watch: Kenny Gajewski and players discuss NCAA Stillwater Regional

The Cowgirls have really struggled the past few weeks as they’ve lost 11 of their last 13 and certainly the worst time to be slumping. However, a surprise national seed and an annual trip to Broken Bow might be exactly what the Cowgirls need to turn things around.

“I think everyone’s just back to that mentality of having fun,” Cowgirls pitcher Kelly Maxwell said. “Having our name called as a six seed just kind of lit a fire and brought some fun back to the game, where we were playing at the beginning of the year. It kind of sparked that again.”

Other than stats, there’s not, however, a lot of scout available on the Retreivers for Kenny Gajewski and Co. There wasn’t a lot of televised games for the UMBC, but they’re led by senior infielder, Madison Wilson, who’s hitting .337 on the season in 101 at-bats, with 34 hits, four doubles, eight home runs and 27 RBIs.

Next on the stat sheet offensively for UMBC is junior Ashley Della Guardia, who’s hitting .328 on the season in 122 at-bats, with 40 hits, 10 doubles, seven home runs and 23 RBIs.

In the circle for UMBC is sophomore Kya Matter, who has a 1.77 ERA and a 13-5 overall record in 24 appearances and 18 starts. The right-hander has thrown 126.2 innings with 126 strikeouts, 43 walks and has given up 101 hits with 32 earned runs.

Despite there basically being only stats to try and formulate a gameplan, the Cowgirls and coaching staff feel confident they’ve turned things around.

“It wouldn’t matter if we’re playing [UMBC,] Nebraska or Wichita State,” Gajewski told the media on Thursday. “If we are the best version of us, look out.”