Big 12 softball power rankings: Did OU do enough to pass Texas for top spot?

Texas remains on top.

OU softball’s sweep of Houston last weekend wasn’t enough to lift it over the Longhorns in this week’s Big 12 softball power rankings. While the Sooners still hold a game advantage over Texas in the Big 12 standings, the Longhorns beat them 2-1 in a series on April 5-7.

Texas has been rolling, winning nine consecutive games. The Longhorns are No. 1 in the USA Today/NFCA coaches’ poll, while Oklahoma ranks No. 2.

OU has uncharacteristically struggled at the plate at times this season. Coach Patty Gasso chalks it up to pressing too hard at the plate.

“It’s just lack of being disciplined and saying what’s needed in this moment, right here and now,” Gasso said. “I think some of us are trying too hard.”

Here’s a look at this week’s Big 12 softball power rankings:

1. Texas

Last week: 1

Record: 38-6, 17-4 Big 12*

The Longhorns’ offense has recorded 301 RBIs this season. The program's single-season RBI record is 355, set in 2022.

In addition, junior utility Mia Scott has kept up her impressive play.

Over the weekend, Scott stole her 50th career base in 57 attempts. She also picked up her 201st hit, leaving her six behind tying Keely Franks for 10th on the program's career hit list.

2. Oklahoma

Last week: 2

Record: 42-4, 18-3 Big 12*

Kierston Deal is the real deal.

The sophomore lefty was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Week Tuesday following a dominant week. She tossed her first collegiate no-hitter against Tulsa on April 16, allowing just two baserunners — one on catcher's interference — while striking out four in six innings.

Deal followed with a complete-game shutout Sunday, securing the Sooners’ sweep of Houston with a career-high 10 strikeouts in seven scoreless innings.

3. Oklahoma State

Last week: 3

Record: 39-8, 16-5 Big 12*

The Cowgirls followed last weekend’s disappointing series loss to Iowa State with a sweep of Texas Tech.

On Saturday against the Red Raiders, Karli Godwin smacked two home runs, giving her the program’s freshman home run record. She passed Micaela Wark’s record of 10 set last season. Godwin is batting .340 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs this season.

Despite some missteps this season, Oklahoma State coach Kenny Gajewski’s team remains a solid contender in the conference.

4. Kansas

Last week: 4

Record: 27-17-1, 11-10*

The Jayhawks have played the 37th toughest schedule in the country.

KU faced six ranked opponents in its last 12 games and its slate doesn’t get easier as it travels to Stillwater for a three-game series this weekend. Kansas has earned four ranked wins this season, defeating Texas A&M and Baylor.

5. Baylor

Last week: 7

Record: 25-18, 8-13 Big 12*

The Bears are fighting to overcome obstacles.

The injury bug hit Baylor at the wrong time. It has been without pitcher Dariana Orme, shortstop Amber Toven, catcher/infielder Abi Flores and utility Shannon Vivoda. Before sweeping UCF last weekend, the Bears had lost four consecutive games, including a loss to Texas-Arlington.

Baylor ranks No. 20 in the latest RPI rankings.

6. UCF

Last week: 5

Record: 26-18, 10-11 Big 12*

Before being swept by Baylor last weekend, the Knights had won 10 consecutive games.

UCF’s pitching staff was a bright spot in the series loss, posting a 1.12 ERA and allowing just four earned runs in three games. The problem was its offense scored just one run the entire weekend.

The Knights’ bats will need to wake up if they want to compete with OU this weekend.

7. Texas Tech

Last week: 6

Record: 26-16, 6-12 Big 12*

The Red Raiders fell a spot after being swept by OSU.

Texas Tech had the go-ahead run at the plate Sunday but ultimately wasn’t able to snag a game from the Cowgirls. The Red Raiders should be able to bounce back with a few wins when they face Houston this weekend in their final Big 12 road series.

8. BYU

Last week: 8

Record: 26-19, 8-13 Big 12*

Since upsetting OU on April 12, the Cougars have found a groove.

They picked up four wins last week and will face Baylor at home this weekend. With the Bears’ injuries, watch out for BYU.

9. Iowa State

Last week: 9

Record: 18-25, 5-13 Big 12*

The Cyclones’ disastrous season is expected to continue as they draw Texas this weekend.

One positive for Iowa State? It has won four consecutive nonconference games.

10. Houston

Last week: 10

Record: 23-24, 3-18 Big 12*

The Cougars have dropped their last 10 of 11 games.

Despite the struggles, Breen Cantu and Turiya Coleman have combined for 79 RBIs.

*-Records through Tuesday