Big 12 softball power rankings: Who can challenge Texas Tech for tournament title?

As the Big 12 softball tournament arrives, there is no question which team is expected to be handed the hardware after Saturday’s championship game. Defending champ Texas Tech won 50 games and cruised to the regular-season title with only three conference losses — five fewer than anyone else. But if you’re a fan of the underdog, here are a few reasons to consider other contenders.

Second-seeded Oklahoma State is as hot as just about anyone lately, with senior pitcher Ruby Meylan dialed in at a level of consistency that is hard to match. And the Cowgirl offense is producing behind her, which has been the recipe for 15 straight wins in games Meylan pitched. Though Arizona State dipped to the No.

6 seed, pitcher Kenzie Brown is an equalizer, giving the Sun Devils a chance to win anytime she’s in the circle. Third-seeded Arizona is limping in off a pair of losses at Utah, but the Wildcats have otherwise been incredibly consistent this season. Kansas has been on the rise lately and has a lineup anchored by the likes of Hailey Cripe, Anna Soles and Ella Boyer that should make opposing pitchers nervous.

Fourth-seeded UCF gets production from a variety of spots in its lineup, which powered the Knights to 14 conference wins. And even No. 7 Utah is coming off a series in which it took two of three from Arizona.