**Sooners Complete SEC Sweep Behind Freshman Phenom Audrey Lowry’s Dominant Performance**
NORMAN — The Oklahoma Sooners softball team capped off a historic weekend with a gritty 2-1 victory over South Carolina on Sunday, securing their first-ever SEC series sweep. The win, fueled by a masterful pitching performance from freshman left-hander **Audrey Lowry**, showcased the Sooners’ ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure situations.
**Lowry Shines in the Circle**
In a stark departure from the high-scoring affairs of the first two games—where the Gamecocks plated 18 runs—Lowry delivered a gem, silencing South Carolina’s bats with precision and poise. The freshman allowed just one run on four hits while striking out seven over six innings, frustrating a lineup that had previously looked unstoppable.
“Audrey was phenomenal today,” said head coach Patty Gasso. “She stayed composed, hit her spots, and gave us exactly what we needed to close out the series.”
**Defensive Grit Seals the Deal**
The Sooners’ defense rose to the occasion, turning key double plays and making highlight-reel stops to preserve the narrow lead. Senior shortstop **Grace Lyons** anchored the infield with a diving stop in the fifth inning, preventing what could have been a game-tying rally.
“Our defense was locked in today,” Lyons said. “We knew Audrey was dealing, and we wanted to make every play behind her.”
**Offensive Highlights**
While the bats were quieter than in Friday’s 12-8 and Saturday’s 10-9 slugfests, the Sooners did just enough to secure the win. Sophomore **Jayda Coleman** provided the spark with a solo home run in the third inning, her fifth of the season, while senior **Jocelyn Alo** drove in the go-ahead run with a clutch RBI single in the fifth.
**Looking Ahead**
With the sweep, the Sooners improve to 25-3 overall and 6-0 in SEC play, solidifying their status as one of the nation’s elite programs. As they prepare for a midweek showdown against in-state rival Oklahoma State, Gasso emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum.
“This was a big weekend for us,” Gasso said. “But we can’t get complacent. We’ve got to keep grinding, keep improving, and stay hungry.”
For now, though, the Sooners can celebrate a milestone victory—and the emergence of a new star in Audrey Lowry.
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**Key Stats**:
– **Audrey Lowry**: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 7 K
– **Jayda Coleman**: 1-3, HR, RBI
– **Jocelyn Alo**: 1-3, RBI
– **Team Record**: 25-3 (6-0 SEC)
**Next Up**: Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State – Wednesday, 6:00 PM CT
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