It took an extra inning and international tiebreaker rules, but the Oklahoma Sooners were able to keep their record winning streak intact with a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over Washington at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

The Sooners are 3-0 for the 2024 season and have won 56 consecutive games. Their last loss came against Baylor more than 350 days ago. Washington now is 2-1 on the season. 

• Subscribe To FloSoftball To Watch The 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge
• Oklahoma Softball Schedule 2024: What To Know
• The 2024 USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll: OU Softball No. 1
• Washington Huskies Softball Schedule 2024: What To Know
• Toby Keith, Oklahoma Softball Had Special Bond

Senior Rylie Boone delivered what would be the game-winning hit Friday night against Washington, when she delivered a single to left field in the top of the eighth inning, scoring freshman Kasidi Pickering from third.

Per the tiebreaker rules, the inning started with Pickering on second base. She advanced to third on a Cydney Sanders groundout to start the inning. 

In the bottom half of the inning, All-American left-hander Kelly Maxwell and the Oklahoma defense preserved the one-run lead and earned Maxwell her second victory in an Oklahoma uniform.

Maxwell, a transfer from Oklahoma State, picked up the win in the Sooners’ victory over Duke on Thursday. Against Washington, she was the fourth Oklahoma pitcher in the circle, following Nicole May, Paytn Monticelli and Karlie Keeney.

Washington started the bottom of the eighth inning with freshman Jadyn Glab on second base. She advanced to third on a groundout but was unable to score the tying run. 

Oklahoma and Washington both entered the game ranked in the top 10 across the many softball polls, with OU as a unanimous No. 1. Both teams also are riding the momentum of appearances at the 2023 Women's College World Series, where Oklahoma picked up its third consecutive national championship to conclude a 61-1 campaign. 

When Maxwell entered the game Friday for Oklahoma in the sixth inning, Washington was threatening with runners on first and third. 

Maxwell’s first pitch was hit right back to her by Kinsey Fiedler. She fired it home to catch Jing Gardner, who was running on contact. Another bang-bang play from the Oklahoma defense ended the inning, but the Sooners could not capitalize on the momentum. 

Maxwell pitched out of another jam in the bottom of the seventh inning, highlighted by her blowing three pitches past Glab to end the Washington threat and send the game into extra innings. 

The majority of the scoring Friday came early in the game.

Oklahoma touched Washington starter, Lindsay Lopez, for two runs in the opening inning and then went silent until tying the game in the sixth and getting the eventual winning run in the eighth.

Washington answered early with three runs off May in the second inning, but the quartet of Oklahoma pitchers held the Huskies to just one hit and no runs the rest of the way. 

Offensively, Oklahoma had seven hits in the game, and Boone was the only player with two. The Sooners left 10 runners on base, too. 

Uncharacteristically, despite a few defensive gems in the win, Oklahoma committed three errors. It was the first time since June 2021 that the Sooners had three or more miscues in a single contest. They also led the nation in fielding average in 2023 with a .987 mark.

Washington obviously was able to take advantage of the OU mistakes, but the Huskies also left 10 runners on base. Collectively, the team managed five hits, with Brooke Nelson being the only player with two. 

Sophomore Ruby Meylan, who was dominant in a five-inning shutout victory over Nebraska on Thursday, took the loss for Washington against the Sooners. She pitched five innings in relief, surrendering three hits and two runs. 

Next up for the Sooners in their quest for a history-making fourth consecutive national title is their final game at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, a meeting with Long Beach State on Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Read more about Oklahoma's first two games in Puerto Vallarta: OU vs. Utah Valley | OU vs. Duke

Washington's trip to Mexico will conclude against Iowa State on Saturday at 5 p.m. EST.

The Huskies wasted no time testing themselves this week, opening their season against former Sooner Jordy Bahl and the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Thursday night.

The result was an 8-0 rout that saw an injured Bahl leave the game after just 2 1/3 innings, with the Huskies up 2-0 and a runner on third base. 

Earlier Friday, Washington topped Utah Valley, 4-3.

Entering Friday’s meeting, Oklahoma and Washington had played each other 27 times, with the Sooners owning a 14-13 advantage in the series. They first met in 1995, and their most recent tangle was in the 2021 Norman Super Regional, where Oklahoma won the series 2-0, advanced to the WCWS and cruised to the national title. 

About The 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge

The 2024 edition of the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge is loaded with talent. The season-opening event features 15 teams, split into two groups for 31 games of valuable competition. 

Oklahoma and Washington are playing in the first half of the event from Feb. 8-11 and are joined by Utah Valley, Duke, Long Beach State, Iowa State and Nebraska. 

Session 2 (Feb. 14-18) will include Clemson, Wichita State, UC San Diego, Auburn, Utah, South Carolina, Mississippi State and UC Davis.

Of the 15 teams, Oklahoma, Washington and Utah were among the eight teams that played in the 2023 WCWS in Oklahoma City. 

Will Oklahoma stumble without Bahl on the mound? Are the Sooners ready for two ranked teams so early in the season? So far, everything looks good for OU.

Follow the action live, as FloSoftball provides news and notes from every game at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.

Watch As Oklahoma's Rylie Boone Drives In Eventual Winning Run Against Huskies

Box Score

Oklahoma Softball Defeats Washington 4-3, Extends Winning Streak To 56

All-American pitcher Kelly Maxwell gets the job done for Oklahoma in extra innings, preserving a one-run lead and giving the Sooners their record 56th consecutive win. 

Oklahoma held on to defeat Washington, 4-3.

Washington's Jadyn Glab started the bottom of the eighth inning on second base (international tiebreaker rules) and advanced to third base on a groundout by Avery Hobson.

Brooke Nelson pops up for the second out.

Kinsey Fiedler, batting in the No. 9 position, grounds out to third. Game over. 

Oklahoma Softball Gets Go-Ahead Run Against Washington

Cydney Sanders grounds out to the pitcher, but Kasidi Pickering is able to advance to third on the play (she started the inning at second base, as that's the international tiebreaker rule).

Alynah Torres flies out. Rylie Boone hits a base hit to left field for the go-ahead RBI, as Pickering scores. 4-3 Oklahoma with two outs.

Top of the eighth ends - Oklahoma leads 4-3.

Oklahoma's Maxwell Pitches Out Of Streak-Threatening Jam

Washington had runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning, a base hit away from putting an end to Oklahoma's 55-game winning streak.

OU got out of the jam, highlighted by Kelly Maxwell blowing three pitches past a swinging Jadyn Glab.

It's time for extra innings in Puerto Vallarta. 

It's tiebreaker rules, which means the inning starts with a runner on second base. 

Sooners Softball Can't Capitalize

Oklahoma can't capitalize on the momentum of a solid defensive inning.

The Sooners get a one-out base hit from Alyssa Brito, but she gets stranded at first base. 

The game remains tied at 3. Washington coming up with a chance to win it in the bottom of the seventh inning. 

Oklahoma Softball Defense Comes Up Huge Against Washington

After giving up a leadoff walk (and a pinch runner) in the bottom of the sixth inning, Oklahoma pitcher Paytn Monticelli is replaced by right-hander Karlie Keeney.

Brooke Nelson singles with one out to give the Huskies runners on first and third. Oklahoma slows the momentum with a conference in the pitching circle. 

Keeney is removed from the game, and Oklahoma brings in star left-hander and two-time All-American, Kelly Maxwell, a transfer from Oklahoma State. 

The first pitch from Maxwell is hit straight back to her by Kinsey Fiedler. Jing Gardner, who was running on contact, is thrown out at home by Maxwell. 

A bang-bang play at first base gets Oklahoma out of the inning with the tie still intact. 

It's 3-3 heading into the top of the seventh inning with the 3-4-5 hitters coming up for Oklahoma. 

Time Running Out For Oklahoma Softball, Sooners Fight Back

Oklahoma pulls out all the stops in the sixth inning - pinch runner after a walk, advancing to second on a long fly ball, pinch hitter before the top of the lineup comes around again.

The latter pays off, as Riley Ludlam rips a single over second baseman Jillian Celis, allowing Maya Bland to score from second base to tie the game at 3-3.

𝐓𝐈𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄@riley_ludlam laces a pinch-hit RBI single to right-center for her first hit as a Sooner ‼️

We’re even at 3️⃣ in the sixth!

📺 - https://t.co/NS02sK5M4H#ChampionshipMindset | @FloSoftball pic.twitter.com/VO5MWqB43c

— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 10, 2024

Oklahoma Softball Makes Pitching Change Against Washington

After a quiet fifth inning at the plate, Oklahoma brings in sophomore right-hander Paytn Monticelli to replace Nicole May in the circle. She's young and less experienced, but she has the ball in a huge moment for the Sooners.

Oklahoma entered the game with a record 55-game winning streak.

Monticelli takes down the Huskies in order.

Washington leads 3-2. Oklahoma coming up in the sixth inning with the winning streak on the line. 

Huskies SB Threatens Again, Strands Two Runners In Fourth Against Oklahoma

A one-out hit-and-run call from Washington gives the Huskies runners on first and second with one out and the top of the order coming up.

Just when it looks like the surge is leading to a pitching change, Nicole May stays in for the Sooners. She and the OU defense end the threat.

May and Jillian Celis battle to a 3-2 count. Runners are in motion. Celis strikes out swinging.

Huskies still in control, 3-2.

Washington Softball Makes Pitching Change, Oklahoma SB Silent

Ruby Meylan assumes the pitching duties for Washington in the top of the fourth inning against Oklahoma. She was the winning pitcher Thursday night against Nebraska, pitching a complete-game (five-inning) shutout. 

Meylan has three strikeouts and a fly out in the inning. How? Jayda Colman reached first base when the third strike got away.

Oklahoma Softball Unable To Score In Third

The Sooners stranded two after Alynah Torres came within a few feet of a three-run home run to straightaway center field. The ball was caught at the fence by Brooklyn Carter. 

Huskies stay in the lead, 3-2.

In the bottom of the third, Nicole May retires the Huskies in order - three up, three down.

Washington Softball Capitalizes On OU Softball Mistakes

Oklahoma's Nicole May picks up her first strikeout of the night - freshman catcher Jadyn Glab - who blasted a home run Thursday against Nebraska.

May surrenders another walk, and this time, Washington is able to capitalize. 

Brooke Nelson follows with a one-out single, and after another strikeout, Brooklyn Carter delivers a single to score Avery Hobson, who is safe at the plate due to an obstruction call.

Left-hander Jillian Celis hits the first pitch she sees down the first base line to score Nelson and Carter. Huskies lead 3-2.

JILLIAN GIVES WASHINGTON THE LEAD‼️

🔴 2 🐶 3
📺 FloSoftball
📲 https://t.co/hsuGCmrj9Z pic.twitter.com/aXWhfOaovR

— Washington Softball (@UWSoftball) February 10, 2024

Sooners Softball Quiet In Second Inning Against Washington

The top of the second inning between Oklahoma and Washington at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge was quiet. 

Sooners maintain their 2-0 lead. The 6-7-8 hitters are headed up for Washington. 

Huskies Threaten, Oklahoma Softball Responds

Despite a walk and a hit batter by Nicole May, the Washington Huskies were unable to capitalize. 

Oklahoma shuts down the threat, and the inning ends with Huskies on first and third.

Oklahoma Sets Pace With Two Runs In Opening Inning Against Washington Softball

A two-out Kinzie Hansen single to right-center scored Jayda Coleman, who reached base with a leadoff single. 

A Kasidi Pickering single to left brought home Alyssa Brito, who had walked. Pickering, a freshman, now has six RBIs in three games.

Oklahoma did load the bases again, but the Sooners stranded all three runners.

Top-10 Matchup Between Oklahoma And Washington Underway

Oklahoma is the visiting team for this game and batting first. 

The pitching matchup will be Lindsay Lopez for Washington and Nicole May again for Oklahoma. May was the winning pitcher in the season-opening game against Utah Valley.

Starting Lineups

Oklahoma Sooners

☝️ We’re 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲 in Puerto Vallarta

📺 https://t.co/YHsemAlxSv
📻 https://t.co/y0UQf9b1bT
📊 https://t.co/U5kqF43jbe#ChampionshipMindset pic.twitter.com/8IwNXp7dMz

— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 10, 2024

Washington Huskies

Top 10 matchup coming up 🥎#MightyAreTheWomen pic.twitter.com/wBXDV6ws83

— Washington Softball (@UWSoftball) February 10, 2024

When Is The Oklahoma Vs. Washington Softball Game?

Oklahoma will take on Washington at Nancy Almaraz Stadium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Friday, Feb. 9 at 9:30 p.m. Eastern.

How To Watch The Oklahoma Vs. Washington Softball Game

Watch the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge on FloSoftball and the FloSports app.

FloSoftball will be streaming several NCAA Division I college softball tournaments, including the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, THE Spring Games and the Mark Campbell Collegiate Invitational.

In Case You Missed It

Oklahoma opened the 2024 season with an offensive onslaught in a 13-0 win over Utah Valley.

In their 3-0 win against Duke, the Sooners relied more on pitching and defense to get the job done. That said, check out this amazing play:

Turning ✌️ ⤵️@karlie_keeney fires a scoreless sixth!

📺 - https://t.co/NS02sK6jUf#ChampionshipMindset | @FloSoftball pic.twitter.com/RZL3DZ9ZRm

— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 8, 2024

And here's the moment that broke open the Washington-Nebraska game Thursday night. The Huskies went on to win 8-0.

JADYN!!!! 💥

Three-run homer for @JadynGlab to give the Huskies a six-run lead!

🔴 0 🐶 6
📺 FloSoftball
📲 https://t.co/hsuGCmrj9Z pic.twitter.com/GPAJnpJq5i

— Washington Softball (@UWSoftball) February 9, 2024

2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge Schedule

Here’s the complete schedule for both weekends:

Session 1

All times Eastern

Feb. 8

• 11:30 a.m. – Utah Valley vs. Oklahoma
• 2 p.m. – Duke vs. Oklahoma
• 5 p.m. – Iowa State vs. Utah Valley
• 7:30 p.m. – Nebraska vs. Washington

Feb. 9

• 11 a.m. – Duke vs. Iowa State
• 1:30 p.m. – Duke vs. Nebraska
• 4 p.m. – Long Beach vs. Nebraska
• 7 p.m. – Utah Valley vs. Washington
• 9:30 p.m. – Oklahoma vs. Washington

Feb. 10

• 11:30 a.m. – Nebraska vs. Utah Valley
• 2 p.m. – Oklahoma vs. Long Beach
• 5 p.m. – Washington vs. Iowa State
• 7:30 p.m. – Duke vs. Long Beach

Feb. 11

• 10 a.m. – Iowa State vs. Long Beach

Session 2

All times Eastern

Feb. 14

• 1 p.m. – Clemson vs. Wichita State

Feb. 15

• 11 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Clemson
• 1:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Auburn
• 4 p.m. – Utah vs. Auburn
• 7 p.m. – Wichita State vs. South Carolina
• 9:30 p.m. – Utah vs. South Carolina

Feb. 16

• 11 a.m. – Mississippi State vs. UC Davis
• 1:30 p.m. – South Carolina vs. UC Davis
• 4 p.m. – UC San Diego vs. Mississippi State
• 7 p.m. – Clemson vs. Utah
• 9:30 p.m. – Auburn vs. Wichita State

Feb. 17

• 11 a.m. – South Carolina vs. UC San Diego
• 1:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Wichita State
• 4 p.m. – Clemson vs. Auburn
• 7 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Utah
• 9:30 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Clemson

Feb. 18

• 11 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Utah

Other Things To Watch Around The College Softball World This Week

Oklahoma and a handful of ranked teams will start their seasons in Mexico. Others will find their way to events across the country. Rest assured, there will NOT be a shortage of softball action this week on FloSoftball.

HERE is a look at where the top 25 teams will be starting the 2024 season.

Additional Events:

FAU Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida (Feb. 8-11)

Candrea Classic in Tucson, Arizona (Feb. 8-11)

Mark Campbell Invitational in Irvine, California (Feb. 10)

THE Spring Games Opening Weekend (Feb. 15-18)

2024 College Softball Rankings

Here is the D1Softball Preseason Top 25 Poll, with last season’s overall records included.

FloSoftball Archived Footage

Video footage from past seasons is archived and stored in a video library for FloSoftball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

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