OKLAHOMA CITY — Even as defending champions, it seemed for most of the season that Oklahoma was unlikely to repeat.

The Sooners earned just a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They lost their NCAA opener to North Dakota State before rallying, then had to go to Auburn and win a super regional.

Even when they recovered at the Women’s College World Series and reached the championship round, they faced No. 1 seed Florida and its two All-American pitchers.

In the end, Oklahoma found a way. Shay Knighten hit a three-run double in the second inning, and the Sooners defeated Florida 5-4 on Tuesday night to win it all again.

The Sooners (61-9) took both games from Florida in the best-of-three for their third title in five years.

Oklahoma freshman Mariah Lopez (18-1) got the win in relief.