No. 3 Oklahoma softball suffered a stunning collapse against Arizona, giving up six runs in the sixth inning, including a grand slam, to lose 11-6.

University of Oklahoma head softball coach Patty Gasso announced Thursday that associate head coach Jennifer Rocha did not travel with the Sooners for this week's season-opening games in Arizona due to a health matter. Rocha, who is OU's pitching coach, will be away from the team for an undetermined period.

The Sooners hit four home runs, but illegal pitches, grand slam helped send OU to defeat.

The Oklahoma Sooners are set to open the 2026 college softball season on Thursday night in Tempe, Ariz., when they take on Arizona State in a big-time nonconference game. The Sooners open the year No. 3 in the USA TODAY Sports/NFCA Coaches Poll. The Sooners come in at No. 3 in The Athletic's preseason power rankings as well.

Third-ranked Oklahoma's lineup was largely held in check on Thursday, but the Sooners did just enough late to beat Arizona State.

University of Oklahoma head softball coach Patty Gasso announced Thursday that associate head coach Jennifer Rocha did not travel with the Sooners for this week’s season-opening games in Arizona due to a health matter. Rocha, who is OU’s pitching coach, will be away from the team for an undetermined period.