NORMAN — The Oklahoma Sooners' offense just got even scarier, and that's bad news for the rest of the NCAA Tournament field. After a rare slump, junior outfielder Kasidi Pickering rediscovered her power stroke in a big way, blasting a two-run homer to lead OU to an 11-0 run-rule victory over Binghamton in the Norman Regional opener Friday.

Pickering had been mired in a tough stretch, going just 5-for-36 at the plate—a .139 batting average—heading into postseason play. But instead of panicking, she stayed the course. "It was a long drought, I guess you could say," Pickering said after the game. "Just being present in practice and knowing you can't change the past—whatever happens, just focus on the next at-bat."

That mindset paid off in a big way. Pickering, an NFCA First-Team All-Region selection, ignited the Sooners' home run parade with a deep two-run shot to left-center field. She finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored, looking every bit like the feared hitter who has been a cornerstone of OU's lineup for three seasons.

This isn't new territory for Pickering, who has a knack for elevating her game when the stakes are highest. In last year's NCAA Tournament opener against Cal, she crushed two home runs and drove in six runs. Friday's performance suggests she's once again peaking at the perfect time for the defending champions.

For the Sooners, this kind of offensive firepower is exactly what they need as they chase another national title. With Pickering back in form, OU's lineup becomes even more dangerous—a scary thought for any pitcher left in the tournament bracket.