‘Don’t Do That!’: Patty Gasso Slams Doubleheader Format After Heartbreaking OU Loss – Calls for Change in Women’s College Softball
Oklahoma City, OK — In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the college softball world, the Oklahoma Sooners were eliminated from the Women’s College World Series after a stunning walk-off sacrifice fly by Texas Tech on Monday night. But it wasn’t just the emotional loss that caught national attention — it was head coach Patty Gasso’s fiery postgame comments that lit up headlines.
Following the Sooners’ 4-3 defeat, Gasso took the microphone and didn’t hold back, directing her frustration not at the opposing team, but at the NCAA’s doubleheader format for semifinal games — a system she believes unfairly penalizes players and undermines the progress of women’s sports.
“I’ve been in this tournament enough, and there’s one thing that has to change,” Gasso said during her postgame press conference. “If we are all about women’s athletics and women’s sports and rah-rah, do not make us play doubleheaders to get to a national championship series. Do not do that. Don’t do that. They don’t do it in baseball. It should not happen.”
The Sooners were poised to push the game into extra innings, rallying in the seventh inning before Texas Tech secured the win. Had Oklahoma come out on top, they would have had to turn around and play again within just 30 minutes — a demand that Gasso believes puts unnecessary physical and emotional strain on the athletes.
The comments resonated with fans and analysts alike, reigniting a long-running debate over the NCAA’s treatment of women’s sports compared to men’s tournaments, especially in terms of scheduling, rest periods, and media coverage.
An Elite Program Speaks Up
Patty Gasso isn’t just any coach — she’s the architect of one of the most successful programs in NCAA softball history. With multiple national championships under her belt, her voice carries weight in collegiate athletics. And in a moment where emotions were raw, her words echoed far beyond the diamond.
“These women give everything to this sport, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and consideration as their male counterparts. We talk about growing the game — then let’s start with how we schedule it,” she added.
Her frustration is not isolated. Over the years, players and coaches have quietly criticized the demanding tournament formats that force elite teams to play twice in one day with a championship berth on the line — a format not mirrored in the NCAA men’s baseball bracket.
A Call for Reform
Gasso’s call to action comes at a time when women’s sports are gaining unprecedented visibility and support. With increased television ratings, sponsorships, and growing fan bases, many believe the NCAA has a responsibility to evolve its tournament structures to reflect this momentum.
Already, Gasso’s comments are sparking conversations on social media and in sports media circles, with current and former athletes weighing in. The hope? That this latest moment of advocacy won’t go ignored.
