OU Softball: Chamberlain Sets HR Record In Win

A pedestrian non-conference matchup on the softball diamond between Oklahoma and North Texas became a moment in history on Thursday night.

Oklahoma senior Lauren Chamberlain hit the 91st home run of her career to set the all-time NCAA home run record as No. 4 Oklahoma (43-7) defeated North Texas (16-30), 6-2.

“I feel really, really ecstatic and I feel like I'm finally able to finally fully enjoy the moment,” Chamberlain said after the game. “I think the pressure of it along the way and the highs and lows, especially the lows, have made this moment so much sweeter. I think I'm able to celebrate now and kind of breathe a little bit and just relax and play softball.”

Chamberlain's home run was a grand slam in the fourth inning off of North Texas starter Kenzie Grimes on a 1-1 pitch, with the Sooners trailing, 2-0. Chamberlain hit it to straight-away center, the sixth grand slam of Chamberlain's career. The blast gave the Sooners a 4-2 lead and moved her past UCLA's Stacey Nuveman for the most in NCAA softball history.

“To think I've hit one more home run than her, it's just like ‘wow,'” Chamberlain said. “I don't think it's going to set in for a while, but I think when I take the jersey off for the last time and think back on those moments I'll realize what just happened.”

Chamberlain finished the game 2-for-4 with a grand slam and a double, tallying four runs batted in with one run scored.

“I'm feeling a sense of pride for Lauren's hard work and the way she's represented our program, not just as an athlete and a great hitter, but in every way, shape and form that she's represented us in such a fabulous way,” OU coach Patty Gasso said. “To be able to connect history to our program, and to Lauren, is always going to be something special to us. She's left more than a legacy on our program.

“I think we sometimes just take it for granted that we get to see it every day. She's pretty remarkable, and it's a moment we'll always remember.”

The record-setting home run came in support of OU starter Kelsey Stevens, who recorded her first win since March 8. Stevens went 5.0 innings and gave up two runs on four hits while striking out four and walking three. Her record is now 8-1 on the year.