OU softball 'starting to get gritty' in NCAA regional as Miali Guachino steps up vs Kansas
NORMAN — Miali Guachino made sure not to forget the feeling she felt following Oklahoma's loss last week to Georgia.
The Sooners' sophomore right-hander, who transferred from Mississippi this past offseason, was cruising through three innings against the Bulldogs before falling apart and allowing two earned runs, which started a UGA rally. Guachino didn't dwell on the loss, but used it as fuel.
"Just learning how to just take it and what we could do better," Guachino said. "We're using it as fuel, just getting gritty, I think that’s the best word. At practice and everything, we're starting to get gritty now."
Guachino was as locked in Saturday as coach Patty Gasso has ever seen.
She allowed only one hit and struck out six Kansas batters in OU's 9-0 run-rule victory in the NCAA softball tournament at Love's Field. Guachino tossed only 59 pitches in the win and now holds a 2.77 ERA.
"She was in complete control from the start of the game, ahead in the count, throwing such quality pitches," Gasso said. "You could see her focus, demeanor, it was outstanding. It's probably one of the best games I've seen her. I think she would agree with that. And if we're going to do it, this is the time to do it. So, I'm really, really excited about what's going on here right now."
Guachino added: "It was definitely one of the best. I was attacking really early and never like getting off of them. I was attacking and attacking them, and not getting really deep into counts so I think that's what worked best."
After another dominating win, OU will face either the Jayhawks, Binghamton or Michigan at 2 p.m. Sunday to advance to Super Regionals. If the Sooners see Kansas again, Gasso wants her team to approach Sunday the same way.
Guachino and OU are determined to not feel the feeling of defeat again this season.
"Come in, try to attack and dominate," Gasso said. "I felt like it was a dominating performance today by the Sooners."
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Miali Guachino pitches gem for OU softball vs Kansas in NCAA regional
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