** HEARTBREAK IN EXTRA INNINGS: Ex-Sooner’s Crushing Blast Hands OU Rare Loss**
No. 2 Oklahoma suffered just their second defeat of the season Friday night in a dramatic 5-2 extra-inning showdown against No. 10 Tennessee at Love’s Field. The game turned when former Sooner Sophia Nugent launched a devastating two-run homer in the 8th inning off OU ace Sam Landry.
**⚡ Vols Celebrate Like Champions**
Tennessee players erupted in euphoric celebration after the upset, with head coach Patty Gasso noting: “It was like they won a national championship.” The loss marked OU’s first series-opening defeat this season.
** Sooners Show Fight**
Despite the loss, OU battled back multiple times:
– Abigale Dayton’s clutch solo HR (her 2nd of season) tied the game
– Hannah Coor nearly scored walk-off run in 7th before perfect throw home
– Landry gutted out 141-pitch complete game
** Pitching Duel Turns Volatile**
Tennessee’s fireballer Karlyn Pickens (threw fastest pitch in softball history this week) dominated with 9 Ks in relief. Meanwhile, Landry struggled early, surrendering a 2-run HR in the 2nd before settling in.
**️ Gasso’s Challenge**
“I can’t wait to see how we respond tomorrow,” the OU coach said. “This is exactly the test we need.”
**⚾ Rubber Match Set**
The top-10 showdown concludes Saturday at 1 p.m. CT on ESPN with the series on the line. Can the Sooners bounce back?
** Key Stats:**
– OU now 3-1 in extra innings
– Tennessee improves to 2-3 in extras
– Landry’s 141 pitches mark career high
– Dayton’s bat comes alive with 2 hits, game-tying HR
The stage is set for an epic Saturday showdown in Norman!
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