South Carolina Softball’s Perfect Season Ends in Hard-Fought Battle Against Oklahoma
The South Carolina Gamecocks‘ undefeated start to the 2025 season came to a heartbreaking end in Norman, Oklahoma, as they faced off against the powerhouse Oklahoma Sooners. Despite putting up a strong fight, South Carolina suffered three consecutive one-run losses to the four-time defending national champions.
Game 1: A Wild Shootout Ends in Heartbreak
For a moment, it looked like South Carolina was on the verge of a statement win. The Gamecocks stormed ahead 5-1 in the second inning, using a “small ball” approach and capitalizing on Oklahoma’s defensive mistakes. Ella Chancey, Brooke Blankenship, and Lexi Winters set the stage with singles, leading to a flurry of runs, including a two-run single from Karley Shelton.
However, the Sooners responded with home runs from Isabela Emerling and Gabbie Garcia, reclaiming the lead by the third inning. Winters’ sacrifice fly in the fifth tied the game at 6-6, but Emerling quickly crushed South Carolina’s momentum with another two-run homer. The Sooners later added insurance runs, and despite a three-run bomb from Winters in the seventh, Oklahoma held on for a 10-9 win.
Game 2: Another Close Battle, Same Result
Originally set for Saturday, Mother Nature delayed Game 2 until Sunday—but the result remained unchanged. South Carolina led at one point, but ultimately fell 10-9 in another nail-biter.
Jori Heard, the Gamecocks’ ace, struggled early, getting pulled after just 17 pitches. She surrendered home runs to Nelly McEnroe-Marinas, Garcia, and Cydney Sanders, putting South Carolina in an early 5-0 hole.
The Gamecocks refused to back down. Abigail Knight and Natalie Heath launched solo home runs, while Chancey’s grand slam tied the game at 6-6 in the fourth. Knight’s sacrifice fly even gave South Carolina a brief 7-6 lead.
But Oklahoma kept answering. McEnroe-Marinas crushed a three-run homer to make it 9-8 Sooners, and though Heath’s second solo shot tied things again, Garcia delivered a walk-off RBI double, sealing another 10-9 win for Oklahoma.
Game 3: Pitching Duel Ends in a Sweep
By the series finale, both offenses had cooled off. South Carolina managed just three hits in 24 at-bats (.125), while Oklahoma was limited to two hits in 20 at-bats (.100).
Despite bouncing back with five strong innings, Heard couldn’t escape the first inning without damage. McEnroe-Marinas drove in the first run, and a throwing error gave Oklahoma a crucial second run. That was all they needed.
On the other side, Sooners pitcher Audrey Lowry was lights-out, tossing a complete-game victory. Her only mistake? A solo home run by Arianna Rodi in the fourth. Final score: 2-1 Sooners.
What’s Next?
The Gamecocks will look to bounce back Wednesday at 6 p.m., when they host Coastal Carolina at Beckham Field. The game will be streamed on SEC Network Plus.
