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2021 NCAA Softball Tournament Norman Regional preview, players to watch, predictions and more

By Ethan Lee

Baseball plate stock photo, softball plate stock photo, baseball base, softball baseNorth Florida Christian Softball Regional Final Vs University Christian 051419 Ts 2392
Baseball plate stock photo, softball plate stock photo, baseball base, softball baseNorth Florida Christian Softball Regional Final Vs University Christian 051419 Ts 2392 /
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GREENSBORO, NC – MARCH 11: NCAA softball during a game between Northern Illinois and UNC Greensboro at UNCG Softball Stadium on March 11, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
GREENSBORO, NC – MARCH 11: NCAA softball during a game between Northern Illinois and UNC Greensboro at UNCG Softball Stadium on March 11, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

The Oklahoma Sooners earned the top overall seed in the 2021 NCAA Softball Tournament.

For the third time in program history, the Oklahoma Sooners have earned the No. 1 overall seed in the 2021 NCAA Softball Tournament. The Sooners, an absolute powerhouse of a team this season, look every bit as dominant as a No. 1 overall seed should.

But the teams Oklahoma is hosting in its regional could provide the Sooners with a unique challenge this week.

On the surface, Wichita State may not be a team that many would expect to be a contender. But, once you actually take a look at the Shockers and their resume, you’ll find a team that has proven it can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone. The Shockers and Sooners faced each other earlier this year with Oklahoma coming out on top with a huge win. Wichita State will be looking for a different outcome if the two teams meet in the Norman Regional.

Coming out of the Southeastern Conference, the Texas A&M Aggies are fielding a talented roster. But, despite that, the Aggies struggled to compete against conference foes and only managed to go 8-16 against SEC teams. A&M very clearly has a lot to prove and, in the Norman Regional, the Aggies are presented with plenty of chances to show that they can contend with some of the best teams in the country.

The Morgan State Bears are by far the biggest underdogs in this regional. They enter into the 2021 NCAA Softball Tournament with a 24-15 record but were able to claim their conference tournament title. Morgan State will have to overcome a massive talent disparity when they open things up with Oklahoma, but this team has no shortage of motivation.

Oklahoma, an incredible team, might find itself challenged at times in the regional round. The Shockers, Aggies, and Bears will all be looking at themselves as underdogs and will be carrying plenty of motivation for the tournament.

Get to know the four teams in the Norman regional here.