Oklahoma's Chamberlain breaks softball HR record

DENTON, Texas (AP) Oklahoma's Lauren Chamberlain broke the NCAA Division I softball career home run record Thursday night, hitting a grand slam for No. 91 in the Sooners' 6-2 victory over North Texas.

She moved ahead of former UCLA star Stacey Nuveman with the fourth-inning shot off North Texas starter Kenzie Grimes that gave Oklahoma a 4-2 lead. Chamberlain also had a double in four at-bats.

''I feel really, really ecstatic and I feel like I'm finally able to finally fully enjoy the moment,'' Chamberlain said. ''I think the pressure of it along the way and the highs and lows, especially the lows, have made this moment so much sweeter. I think I'm able to celebrate now and kind of breathe a little bit and just relax and play softball.

''The eyes are off a little bit and I can just go back to playing the game. I've been trying to do that along the way, but it gets tough. I'm excited and I know my teammates are excited to just see me back as a hitter.''

Nuveman set the mark in 2002. Chamberlain tied it at home April 18 against Baylor.

''Stacey Nuveman. Stacey Nuveman,'' Chamberlain said. ''And to think I've hit one more home run than her, it's just like, `Wow.' I don't think it's going to set in for a while, but I think when I take the jersey off for the last time and think back on those moments I'll realize what just happened.

''Right now it's so easy and nice to focus on my team and focus on celebrating with them. They've been making me feel so good throughout this whole process, and they've been there for me. They've hyped it down just a little bit to keep me level, which is outstanding and I appreciate them so much for that because I don't think I would've been able to do it without them.''

Oklahoma (43-7) is 27-0 against North Texas (16-30).