OU Softball Holds Off South Carolina in Wild SEC Opener as Isabela Emerling Hits 2 HRs

In a thrilling and action-packed opener to their Southeastern Conference (SEC) campaign, the University of Oklahoma (OU) softball team edged out South Carolina in a hard-fought contest, showcasing their resilience and firepower. The game, which took place in front of an electric crowd at the campus stadium, saw a variety of high-intensity moments, but it was a standout performance from senior outfielder Isabela Emerling that stole the spotlight.

Emerling’s two-home-run game not only propelled the Sooners to a 7-6 victory but also demonstrated the heart and grit the team needed to withstand a tough challenge from the Gamecocks. As the season begins to unfold, the opener against South Carolina proved to be a perfect showcase of both the highs and lows that make softball such a captivating sport.

Setting the Stage: A New Challenge for the Sooners

For years, the Oklahoma Sooners have been a dominant force in college softball, known for their power-hitting lineup and airtight pitching. However, entering the SEC for the 2025 season marks a significant shift. The team has always excelled in the Big 12 but now faces a different level of competition in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. South Carolina, while not always a top-tier team, had built a solid reputation for being scrappy and competitive. With the change in conference, there was a lot of pressure on the Sooners to prove they could handle the rigorous demands of the SEC.

The first game in the new conference was bound to be a test, and it certainly delivered on that promise. From the first pitch to the last out, this game was filled with momentum swings, clutch performances, and critical plays that kept both teams on their toes.

The Early Going: South Carolina’s Fight

The game started with a flurry of offense as both teams looked to establish themselves early. South Carolina, coming into the game as underdogs, came out swinging, eager to show that they were ready for the challenge. Their leadoff hitter, leadoff batter Madison Nunez, quickly got on base with a single, setting the stage for a fast start. By the time the first inning had concluded, South Carolina had taken a 2-0 lead, leaving the Sooners with an early hole to dig out of.

On the mound for Oklahoma was sophomore pitcher Jordyn Bahl, who was coming off a spectacular freshman year. Known for her poise and powerful fastball, Bahl was expected to lead the Sooners’ pitching staff once again this season. However, South Carolina’s hitters showed their ability to make adjustments early in the game. Despite Bahl’s reputation, the Gamecocks were aggressive at the plate, capitalizing on a couple of early mistakes. As a result, Oklahoma found itself in a bit of an unfamiliar situation—playing catch-up.

Emerling Steps Up: Power and Poise

It wasn’t long before Isabela Emerling made her presence felt. In the bottom of the second inning, the Sooners’ offense began to find its rhythm. After a couple of solid hits from teammates, it was Emerling’s turn to deliver. The senior from Austin, Texas, stepped into the batter’s box with two runners on base, and she did not waste any time. On a 2-1 count, Emerling crushed a fastball over the center-field fence for a three-run homer, putting the Sooners up 3-2.

Her home run not only gave OU its first lead of the game but also provided the team with a much-needed boost. The Sooners were back in control, and the momentum seemed to shift in their favor. Emerling’s leadership and calm under pressure were evident as she jogged around the bases, signaling that this game would not get away from her team.

But Emerling wasn’t done. In the very next inning, the Sooners’ offense struck again. With the score tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the third, Emerling came to the plate again. Facing a new pitcher, South Carolina was hoping to stifle the momentum OU had built, but Emerling had other ideas. She connected once more, sending another ball soaring into the night sky, this time to left field. The solo shot was her second of the game and gave Oklahoma a 5-4 lead. The Sooners were quickly finding their groove, and Emerling’s two homers had become the focal point of a rapidly escalating slugfest.

Oklahoma’s Offensive Firepower

The offensive fireworks were far from over, however. While Emerling’s homers were critical, they were only part of a much larger picture. The Sooners’ batting lineup, often described as one of the most potent in college softball, continued to put pressure on South Carolina throughout the game. Sophomore shortstop Tiare Jennings and junior catcher Kinzie Hansen both had key hits that helped extend the lead, and each player contributed with an aggressive and disciplined approach at the plate.

One of the most impressive aspects of Oklahoma’s offensive game was its ability to score in bunches. Even when South Carolina managed to close the gap, the Sooners found ways to answer back. In the fifth inning, with the score knotted up at 5-5, it was senior infielder Sydney Romero who came through with a clutch two-out RBI single to bring the lead back to 6-5. The Gamecocks wouldn’t go away easily, though, as they responded with an unearned run in the top of the sixth to tie the game once again, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

The Final Innings: A Nail-Biting Finish

With the score tied at 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth, Oklahoma was looking for a big inning to take control of the game. South Carolina’s defense, though, proved resilient, and the Sooners were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities. The tension was palpable as the teams entered the seventh and final inning.

In the top of the seventh, the Sooners called on their ace pitcher Jordyn Bahl to close things out. After a shaky start to the game, Bahl had settled in nicely, and her ability to get key outs when needed was crucial. She pitched a clean inning in the top of the seventh, striking out two and inducing a flyout to end the threat.

With the game still tied, Oklahoma had one last chance to win it in the bottom of the seventh. The Sooners’ offense had been explosive all game, and they weren’t about to let this game slip away. After a leadoff single from Kinzie Hansen, followed by a sacrifice bunt to move her into scoring position, it was left up to Tiare Jennings to deliver the final blow. Jennings, with the weight of the game on her shoulders, calmly lined a base hit into right field, bringing Hansen around to score and sealing the 7-6 win for the Sooners.

Postgame Reaction: A Victory with Some Lessons Learned

After the game, head coach Patty Gasso praised her team’s resilience and ability to fight back after facing an early deficit. “This was a wild one,” Gasso said. “South Carolina came out swinging, and we had to battle. It’s a good sign that we can win these kinds of games in the SEC. We know we’ll face more challenges, but today showed the heart and determination of our team.”

Isabela Emerling, who had played such a pivotal role in the victory, was quick to deflect attention from herself and toward her teammates. “I just try to do my part, but this team has so many great players,” she said. “Everyone stepped up at different moments, and that’s what makes us so dangerous. We don’t rely on one person—we all contribute.”

While the game ended in a victory for Oklahoma, the Sooners knew there were areas for improvement. The pitching staff, led by Jordyn Bahl, would need to continue to tighten up after allowing six runs to a South Carolina team that typically isn’t known for its offensive power. Additionally, the team’s defense had a few lapses that they would look to clean up in the coming games.

Looking Ahead: The SEC Grind Continues

For Oklahoma, the win in the SEC opener was important, but it was just the beginning. The SEC schedule is a grueling one, and every team in the conference will bring a unique challenge. The Sooners will need to continue improving on all fronts, from their pitching to their defense and, of course, their explosive offense.

Isabela Emerling’s two-home-run performance in the SEC opener was a statement of what this team is capable of. With a player like Emerling leading the charge, and a lineup filled with talent, the Sooners are poised to make a serious run at the SEC title. But with the competition in the SEC tougher than ever, nothing is guaranteed.

As Oklahoma looks ahead to their next SEC matchup, they can take solace in the fact that they’ve proven they can weather any storm—no matter how wild.