Why OU softball super regional isn't Alabama star Audrey Vandagriff's first trip to Norman
Nearly six years ago, Vandagriff twice visited Norman with her family as her older brother, Brock, was being recruited by the Sooners and Lincoln Riley.
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'I loved him,' Audrey Vandagriff said Thursday. 'He was amazing. He surprised me one day, I think it was Keilani Ricketts. … Some big name and I was just star-struck. I don't remember how old I was, maybe 10 years old, and he surprised me with her. … I've been here twice for his visits and they've treated me great. I was so happy as a little kid to be a part of my brother's journey.'
Vandagriff and the Crimson Tide open the best-of-three Norman Super Regional at 4 p.m. Friday at Love's Field.
Just a freshman, Vandagriff has been one of the biggest reasons for the Crimson Tide's success this season.
REQUIRED READING: How OU softball freshman Sydney Barker carved out utility role for Sooners in postseason
May 17, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Audrey Vandagriff and left fielder Lauren Johnson celebrate the last out at Rhoads Stadium. Alabama defeated Virginia Tech 4-3 to advance to the final.
She has 50 stolen bases, fourth-most in program history and second nationally this season.
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Vandagriff was recently named one of three finalists for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's Division I National Freshman of the Year award.
Brock Vandagriff, a five-star quarterback prospect according to the 247 Sports composite, eventually decommitted from OU on New Year's Day 2020 and ultimately signed with Georgia to stay close to home.
After three seasons with the Bulldogs, Brock transferred to Kentucky where he threw for nearly 1,600 yards before retiring from football after the season.
Audrey Vandagriff, who starred at Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Georgia, comes into the Super Regional on a six-game hitting streak. Vandagriff is 7 for 17 with three RBIs, a triple and a home run during the streak.
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Here's a look at the Sooners' Super Regional opponent:
CARLSON: How OU softball freshman Gabbie Garcia cracked open another level being 'totally unafraid'
No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide
Record: 40-21 (12-12 SEC)
NCAA Tournament history: 125-56 overall, 26th appearance
Leading hitter: Freshman outfielder Audrey Vandagriff is hitting .406 with 51 runs, eight doubles and 37 walks.
Leading pitcher: Jocelyn Briski is 17-12 with a 2.78 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 161 innings this season. Briski had a win and a save over Virginia Tech in last weekend's regional.
OU's all-time record vs. Crimson Tide: 9-12
Last meeting (prior to this season): 16-3 Sooners win, May 21, 2023
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Short hops: Alabama has been in the Super Regionals 19 of the last 20 seasons (excluding 2020 when there was no postseason) since the current format began. … Nine of the previous 21 meetings between the teams have come in the Women's College World Series. … The Crimson Tide has 113 stolen bases as a team, 14th-most nationally. … Alabama has turned an SEC-best 31 double plays. … Crimson Tide coach Patrick Murphy is one of seven Division I coaches with 1,300 or more wins at one program. Murphy has 1,317 victories since taking over the program in 1999. The only other active coach on that list is Sooners' coach Patty Gasso.
REQUIRED READING: Why OU softball loss to Alabama in 2012 WCWS finals was 'pivotal moment' for Sooners
Ryan Aber covers OU athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Ryan? He can be reached at raber@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @RyAber . Sign up for the OU Sooners newsletter to access more OU coverage. Support Ryan's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com .
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NCAA softball super regional isn't Audrey Vandagriff's first OU visit
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