The Oklahoma State Cowgirls may have stumbled in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals, but their confidence in earning a coveted NCAA regional hosting bid remains unshaken. Friday night's 11-7 loss to Arizona State at Devon Park was a tough pill to swallow, but head coach Kenny Gajewski is already looking ahead with optimism.

Ruby Meylan struggled in the circle, the defense showed uncharacteristic cracks, and the offense didn't find its rhythm until it was too late. It was a rare off night for the second-seeded Cowgirls, who had won 21 of their last 26 games entering the tournament. "We get an extra day of rest," Gajewski said, quickly pivoting to the silver lining after his team's fifth loss in that span.

While fifth-seeded Arizona State moves on to face No. 1 Texas Tech in Saturday's championship game, Oklahoma State turns its attention to the NCAA selection show. The Cowgirls are hoping their strong regular-season résumé is enough to secure a top-16 seed and the right to host a regional—a major advantage in the postseason.

"I'm not nervous at all," Gajewski declared. "I was nervous my first year, when we were 29-26 and played a top-10 schedule. I didn't know what to expect. But I already know we're in a great spot."

He added with the calm of a seasoned coach: "On Sunday, we'll know. And look, if we don't host, I'll be OK. The sun will rise, and we'll go wherever it is and play well. We've already played a tough road schedule, so the road won't be a bad place for us."

For Cowgirls fans, the message is clear: this team is battle-tested and ready for whatever comes next. Whether they're hosting a regional or hitting the road, Oklahoma State has proven they can compete with the best. Now, it's just a waiting game.