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**Sooners Launch NCAA Title Defense with Dominating Win; Face Cal Next**

**NORMAN, OK** – The Oklahoma Sooners kicked off their quest for a fifth consecutive national championship in emphatic fashion Friday, routing their opening NCAA Tournament opponent with an 8-0 run-rule victory capped off by a walk-off home run from Chaney Helton.

Helton’s first career homer propelled the Sooners into the winner’s bracket of the Norman Regional. They now face a Cal team that edged Omaha 1-0 in a tight pitcher’s duel. Cal starter Annabel Tepperson was the star of the game, limiting the Mavericks to just two hits and a walk while striking out four.

Cal will likely turn to Miranda De Nava (12-5, 3.29 ERA) on Saturday to face the Sooner’s potent offense. De Nava has allowed opponents to hit .240 on the season, giving up 20 home runs, 4 triples, and 10 doubles.

Oklahoma has options in the circle after Sam Landry and Kierston Deal combined for five scoreless innings. Both pitchers threw only 34 pitches. Freshman Audrey Lowry could also factor into the game. Since a rough outing against Texas, Lowry has been lights out in her last three appearances, throwing 5 1/3 scoreless innings against Florida and Arkansas. Veteran Isabella Smith is also available.

A win against Cal on Saturday would put the Sooners just one game away from advancing to the Super Regional round.

The game is scheduled for [Insert Time Here] and will be streamed on [Insert Streaming Information Here].

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