South Carolina’s Quincee Lilio Ready for Epic Showdown Against Former Team, No. 2 Oklahoma
Quincee Lilio’s debut season with South Carolina softball couldn’t have started much better. The Gamecocks are a perfect 20-0, matching the best start in program history since becoming an NCAA-recognized sport.
“Winning is great. I just think we don’t even focus on that. We just go out there and play our game, and that’s what I love about this team,” said Lilio. “That’s what makes it so much fun.”
Her impact has been undeniable. Lilio leads South Carolina in batting average (.583) and hits (33) while adding 19 RBIs and 21 walks. She has also reached base in every single game this season.
Now, she and the Gamecocks face their biggest challenge yet—a road trip to face No. 2 Oklahoma, the four-time defending NCAA champions, in their SEC opener.
Facing Her Former Team
This showdown is personal for Lilio, who transferred from Oklahoma after three seasons with the Sooners. But rather than seeking revenge, she’s focused on seeing how South Carolina stacks up against one of the sport’s powerhouses.
“I’m super excited for this team to go up against the best and to open up at the best place,” said Lilio. “I think it’s a great step for us.”
Despite switching teams, Lilio remains close with her former Sooner teammates. However, their group chats leading up to this game have been all love, no trash talk.
“We’re just super excited to see each other, whether we’re on the same team or not,” she said. “We’re just super excited to be in the same place at the same time.”
A Tough Road Atmosphere Awaits
This will be South Carolina’s first meeting with Oklahoma since 2018, long before any current Gamecock was on the roster. That means stepping into Love’s Field, the largest on-campus softball stadium in the country, will be a new experience for this team.
Lilio, however, knows exactly what to expect.
“That environment is electric. That place is electric, and you can feel it all,” she said. “I just think our biggest thing is to rely on each other and slow the game down and make the place our home.”
Despite the high stakes and the hostile atmosphere, Lilio wants her team to stay grounded and approach the game just like any other.
“At the end of the day, we’re just there to play softball,” she said. “We’re just there to play the game we know how to play and not make the stage bigger than it already is.”
With a flawless record on the line and an emotional reunion for Lilio, this matchup against Oklahoma promises to be one of South Carolina’s biggest tests yet.
