Mason Young
Tulsa World OU Sports Reporter
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NORMAN — Oklahoma softball opened its fall 2025 exhibition slate Friday night with a Battle Series intrasquad scrimmage at Love’s Field.
One thing quickly became evident: the competition for playing time in the 2026 Sooners’ outfield is going to be fierce.
Redshirt freshman Riley Zache was the early star of the night with a double and a home run. Zache hit the big fly off her younger sister, true freshman right-handed pitcher Berkley Zache.
Other outfielders flashed too, though. Sophomore Chaney Helton gunned down a runner at home plate on a single to left field.
Helton also drove in infielder Ailana Agbayani on a hard-hit ball down the first base line, after Agbayani had doubled off the left centerfield wall. She added an RBI double off the centerfield wall in the final frame of the scrimmage.
Sophomore Tia Milloy singled and scored a run, and stud freshman Kai Minor drew a walk and nearly stole a base.
Among incumbent outfielders, Kasidi Pickering had two singles and an RBI but struck out three times, and Abby Dayton added another single and a walk as the incumbent starting outfielders.
Star designated hitter Ella Parker also had three hits including a double, a stolen base and an RBI. Third baseman Nelly McEnroe-Marinas ripped a double down the left field line, then scored on a wild pitch.
Shortstop Gabbie Garcia slugged a 2-run home run and utility player Sydney Barker belted a solo shot over the left field bleachers.
On defense, Barker saw time at first base, second base and shortstop Friday night. Pickering also played some first base but committed two errors.
While redshirt senior Isabela Emerling returns as OU’s most experienced catcher, freshman Kendall Wells showed with her bat that she could push for playing time. Wells hit a no-doubt home run to center field.
Freshman Allyssa Parker played both ways for OU on Friday night. Last year’s Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year had a nice sac bunt and saw time in the circle and at first base. Agbayani finished the scrimmage with a 2-run double.
In the circle, senior left-hander Kierston Deal went three innings, allowing one hit while striking out one. Right-hander Sydney Berzon, the LSU transfer, went three innings, giving up two hits, a walk and one run while fanning one.
Berkley Zache went three innings, giving up three hits, three walks and one run and striking out one. Allyssa Parker also hurled three frames, surrendering three hits, two runs and fanning two.
Ole Miss transfer Miali Guachino worked three innings, giving up one hit, one run and striking out four. Sophomore left-hander Audrey Lowry went 2 â…” innings, allowing eight hits, seven runs and one walk while striking out four.
There were 2,351 in attendance for the first Battle Series game. OU’s next fall exhibition is at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at East Texas A&M.
The Sooners’ next home contest is at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 against Oklahoma Christian University. After that, there are four more Battle Series games on the schedule.
mason.young@tulsaworld.com
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Mason Young
Tulsa World OU Sports Reporter
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