Norman — Oklahoma got a couple of big boosts Sunday, one from its offense and one from the return of pitcher Allee Allen.
Allen, who was 14-4 with a 2.80 earned run average as a freshman, saw her first action of the season thanks to off-season arm surgery.
She allowed one run on six hits, leading the Sooners to an 11-1, run-rule victory over Northern Iowa, completing a perfect weekend and a 4-0 run through the Oklahoma Spring Festival. Haley Nix hit her eighth home run of the season, and Keilani Ricketts her third as OU’s offense heated up quickly.
The Sooners picked up their first run in the second inning. Lindsey Vandever doubled and was driven in by Brianna Turang. OU’s bats went crazy in the fourth inning. The Sooners scored 10 runs on 10 hits in the frame, capped by Nix’ and Ricketts’ homers.
The Panthers’ lone score came on a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning.
OU scored its 11 runs on 13 hits, and only one Sooner struck out.
The Sooners close out their homestand today at 5 p.m. against Missouri-Kansas City.
They head to the West Coast for a Wednesday doubleheader at Cal-State Northridge and this weekend’s Judi Garman Classic at Cal-State Fullerton.
