ATHENS, Ga. — The highly anticipated Southeastern Conference (SEC) softball championship game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas A&M Aggies was canceled on Saturday, May 10, 2025, due to inclement weather, leading to both teams being declared co-champions of the tournament. The game, originally set for 4 p.m. CT, was moved up to noon in anticipation of rain, but the weather took a turn for the worse, forcing the SEC to call off the contest altogether.
The top-seeded Sooners, making their debut in the SEC after a storied past in the Big 12, finished the regular season with a strong 17-7 record, while the second-seeded Aggies concluded their campaign at 16-7. This cancellation marks a bittersweet moment for both teams, as they were vying for their first SEC title and a significant boost heading into the NCAA Tournament.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced the decision, stating, "Due to inclement weather now and predicted for the rest of the day, today’s championship game will not be played. Both Oklahoma and Texas A&M are declared co-champions for the 2025 SEC softball tournament. Congratulations to both teams, and best of luck to both teams in the postseason!" This ruling not only affects the championship standings but also impacts the seeding for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where both teams are expected to be top contenders.
Oklahoma's path to the championship game was nothing short of dramatic. The Sooners overcame a staggering 6-1 deficit against Arkansas in the semifinals, ultimately winning 8-6 thanks to a tournament-record six home runs, including a walk-off three-run shot by Gabbie Garcia. This comeback victory was the largest in SEC tournament history and demonstrated the Sooners' resilience, as they rallied from behind for the 17th time this season.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M showcased their dominance in the tournament, defeating Texas 14-2 in the semifinals, marking their second run-rule victory of the event. The Aggies were in search of their first conference championship since 2008, and the cancellation of the game leaves them still yearning for that elusive title.
Head coach Trisha Ford, in her third season with the Aggies, had led her team through a remarkable tournament run, but the weather thwarted their chance to claim the championship on the field. Texas A&M, which has been consistently ranked No. 1 by various polls, has not faced Oklahoma in the regular season this year, making this matchup particularly anticipated.
Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso, who has been at the helm since 1995, has guided the Sooners to six national championships since 2016. Under her leadership, the team has become a powerhouse in college softball, advancing to the Women’s College World Series 17 times in their 30 appearances. The Sooners were eager to add another trophy to their collection, having previously won nine Big 12 Tournaments and 16 regular-season titles.
Despite the disappointment of not playing the championship game, both teams are well-prepared for the NCAA Tournament. Oklahoma, with its rich history and recent successes, and Texas A&M, looking to break through after years of near misses, will both enter the postseason with high hopes.
As the rain poured down in Athens, the SEC tournament atmosphere was palpable, with fans and players alike waiting in anticipation of the championship clash. However, the weather had other plans, leading to a premature end to the tournament. The SEC had initially attempted to adapt to the weather conditions by moving the game time earlier, but ultimately, the rain proved too persistent.
The forecast for the day showed a continuous chance of rain, making it impossible to reschedule the game. The SEC's decision to cancel rather than postpone reflects the league's commitment to ensuring player safety and the integrity of the tournament.
Looking ahead, both Oklahoma and Texas A&M will shift their focus to the NCAA Tournament, where they are expected to secure top seeds. The Sooners, with their remarkable talent and depth, will look to continue their legacy, while the Aggies aim to capitalize on their momentum from a strong tournament performance.
As the dust settles on the SEC tournament, both teams will take pride in their shared championship title, but the ultimate goal remains: a national championship. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the Sooners and Aggies will prepare to battle it out once again, this time for the ultimate prize in college softball.
In the end, while the SEC championship game may not have played out as fans had hoped, the resilience and skill displayed by both teams throughout the tournament have set the stage for an exciting postseason. The Sooners and Aggies will now look to channel their disappointment into determination as they aim for glory in the NCAA tournament.
