No matter the sport, having a strong out-of-conference schedule goes a long way in solidifying a tournament resume. After missing the postseason the last two years, a matchup against a top 5 program can help prepare the Cougars for the long road ahead.
The opportunity presents itself as the Cougars welcome defending national champion No. 4/6 Oklahoma to Cougar Softball Stadium for a doubleheader Saturday as part of the Rawlings Classic. The Cougars rank 1-6 all-time against the Sooners, facing them for the first time since 2013.
The Cougars enter the weekend at 3-4, winners of two straight after toppling Houston Baptist 3-1 on Wednesday night.