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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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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 27: Kansas City Royals mascot Sluggerrr and Wichita State University mascot WuShock meet up before the game between the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Kauffman Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Saturday was Wichita State University day at the ballpark. (Photo by John Sleezer/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 27: Kansas City Royals mascot Sluggerrr and Wichita State University mascot WuShock meet up before the game between the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Kauffman Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Saturday was Wichita State University day at the ballpark. (Photo by John Sleezer/Getty Images) /

The Wichita State Shockers have proved themselves to be winners this year.

Wichita State has been solid throughout the entire season. The Shockers, at 39-11-1, were able to win the AAC championship and earned an RPI rankings of No. 24 heading into the 2021 NCAA softball tournament.

Season overview

Wichita State went through the season and showed that it could win at a high level by beating several tough foes. To wrap things up prior to the NCAA Tournament, the Shockers were able to grab the 2021 AAC Championship by beating UCF. The only question mark that really remains as the Shockers head into the NCAA Softball Tournament is whether or not they can avenge an ugly loss to the Sooners.

Best wins

Twice this season, the Shockers were able to knock down a ranked Oklahoma State Cowgirls team. The Cowgirls, now a national seed hosting their own regional, dropped two of their three meetings with Wichita State.

  • March 18 at Oklahoma State – 9-2
  • April 27 vs. Oklahoma State – 3-2

Worst loss

There are a few different losses that could qualify here, but the worst loss in relation to the Norman Regional would have to be Wichita State’s loss to Oklahoma. Losing to the Sooners earlier this month doesn’t exactly inspire a ton of confidence as the Shockers will look to steal the Norman Regional from Oklahoma.

  • May 4 vs. Oklahoma – 3-14 in five innings

Players to watch

  • Sydney McKinney – McKinney has more at bats than anyone else on her team with 183 and has a .437 batting average. She’s also stolen 14 bases off of 18 attempts this season.
  • Addison Barnard – Barnard managed to compile a .331 batting average this season and has hit 21 home runs this year.
  • Bailey Lange – Lange has a 21-6 win-loss record, a 2.55 ERA, and 128 strikeouts this year. She’s thrown 19 complete games and opponents are managing to hit just .212 against her.

Final thoughts

Wichita State is a very solid, respectable team, but the Shockers face the tough task of trying to get through the Oklahoma Sooners. That’s not a challenge that anyone would envy. But, Wichita State’s productive hitting and efficient pitching makes it a tough team for anyone to take on.