OU softball sweeps Big 12 individual awards
Oklahoma softball swept all five Big 12 end-of-season awards on Wednesday, becoming the first team to do so in the history of the conference.
Sydney Romero was named Player of the Year, Giselle Juarez won Pitcher of the Year, Caleigh Clifton was named Defensive Player of the Year, Grace Green won Freshman of the Year and Patty Gasso was awarded Coach of the Year for the 12th time.
Romero, Juarez, Clifton and Green were named to the All-Big 12 first team alongside teammates Jocelyn Alo and Falepolima Aviu. OU's six first-team selections matched the 2000 team for the program record.
Senior first baseman Shay Knighten and junior pitcher Shannon Saile were named to the second team.
Shortstop Grace Lyons joined Green on the AllFreshman team.
The top-ranked Sooners will open Big 12 Tournament play at 2 p.m. Friday against Texas Tech at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium. Oklahoma State put six players on the All-Big 12 softball teams.
Senior pitcher/designated player Samantha Show and leadoff-hitting outfielder Rylee Bayless, both seniors, were among the 12 first-team selections.
Senior second baseman Madi Sue Montgomery and sophomore utility player Michaela Richbourgh were secondteam choices.
The All-Freshman team included center fielder Chyenne Factor and shortstop Kiley Naomi.
The Cowgirls begin play at the Big 12 Conference tournament at 11 a.m. against Texas and 5 p.m. against Iowa State in Friday's pool-play round.