Chamberlain, Turang Potent 1-2 Punch for Oklahoma Softball
Oklahoma has had an outstanding year on the softball diamond and two of the big reasons why are Lauren Chamberlain and Brianna Turang. Chamberlain and Turang form as potent a one-two punch in college softball as you can find. The fleet-footed Turang bats ninth with power hitter Chamberlain leading off after hitting third in the lineup last year. But with the transfer of Shelby Pendley from Arizona, Chamberlain moved to the leadoff spot and she has had another outstanding season.
Through Monday night Chamberlain had a slugging percentage of 1.059 with a .353 batting average while Turang is batting .308 with a .538 slugging average. Oklahoma has one of the most complete lineups in the country and there isn’t any easy out from one to nine and the lineup thrives on putting pressure on the opposition. Coaches often want a solid leadoff hitter and a No. 9 hitter that makes good contact and has speed to keep the defenses honest, but it doesn’t happen that often. Tennessee pitcher Ellen Renfore said, “I don’t know if I’ve seen a better 1-2 punch. Lauren Chamberlain’s the best for a reason.”
Chamberlain is part of an Oklahoma lineup that is disciplined and rarely swings at bad pitches. She has struck out only 24 times this year in 166 at bats while Turang has fanned only 14 times and is hitting over 400, ranking second behind team leader Chamberlain. Disappointing for the Sooners, however, has been Pendley who was the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year. She is hitting only. 077 through four games and has fanned eight times in 13 at bats. If she busts out with one of her typical games, Tuesday night would be the best time for it.
