NORMAN — Over the course of the previous four seasons, OU softball has seen many changes, but one thing has remained constant: Jayda Coleman in the starting lineup.
The center fielder for the Sooners held the longest streak in Division I softball, having started 228 straight games.
Coleman, however, was left off of Sooners coach Patty Gasso’s lineup card when she filled it out ahead of Saturday’s second game in a three-game series versus Houston.
It made no difference, though, as No. 2 OU defeated the Cougars 10-2 in just five innings.
“Everyone is aware of Jayda’s incredible talent,” Gasso remarked. “Just providing opportunities and allowing for a little downtime.”
Rather, Ella Parker assumed Coleman’s typical leadoff position, and Rylie Boone took over at center for the Sooners.Coleman had been in the leadoff spot for 19 consecutive games before being held out Saturday.
She was 2 for 4 with an RBI, a run and a walk in Friday’s series opener.
Coleman is leading the Sooners (41-4, 17-3 Big 12) in hitting, at .430 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs and a 1.312 OPS.
“I could put a lineup together with any nine on this team and we’re gonna find a way to win,” Gasso said. “I felt really good tonight. I felt the energy. I felt the attack early. We are starting to roll in that direction. … I tell them this out loud — I’ll take any of you out of this lineup and we’re still gonna win, so know that. And it’s not a threat, it’s just the truth and that’s having a good team with some good players that are sitting on the bench waiting for an opportunity.”
The Sooners have won four consecutive games, outscoring opponents 33-5 during that stretch.
The series closes with Sunday’s finale scheduled for 1 p.m. at Love’s Field
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