The University of Mississippi Athletics

Softball Drops Heartbreaker in Finale Against No. 4 Oklahoma
3/23/2026 | Softball
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss softball program fought valiantly but could not hang on, falling 5-2 to No. 4 Oklahoma on Monday evening at the Ole Miss Softball Stadium.
The Rebels (20-14, 0-9 SEC) took a lead into the sixth inning, but the Sooners (32-2, 6-0 SEC) were able to jump ahead for good on a grand slam by Isabela Emerling.
Rebel starting pitcher Kyra Aycock set the tone for the day right from the start, opening up the first inning with two strikeouts. Aycock followed it up by working around an error and striking out a third batter. The senior finished with a season-high seven strikeouts in a complete game.
The Rebels were the first to strike in the second inning, manufacturing a pair of runs. The inning began with a Madi George double, but the Sooners got the next two outs. However, Laylonna Applin put the ball in play and not only did the Oklahoma first baseman make an error, but the ensuing throw by the second baseman got away, allowing the pinch runner Alexa Rosales to zoom home from second base for a 1-0 lead.
From there, Ryan Starr singled off Sooner pitcher Sydney Berzon's ankles to put runners at first and third. Taylor Malvin came through in the clutch, driving a single through the right side that scored a run, but saw the trail runner thrown out at the plate to end the inning at 2-0.
After a scoreless third inning, the Sooners got on the board with a solo home run to make it 2-1. Despite that, Aycock promptly generated two strikeouts and got out of the inning without further issue.
The Rebels found a scoring opportunity in the fifth inning as Kennedy Bunker walked and Mackenzie Pickens drew a hit-by-pitch to put a runner in scoring position. However, the Sooners stifled the potential scoring opportunity with a strikeout.
Despite another Aycock strikeout in the sixth inning, the Sooners loaded the bases on two singles and an error. Ultimately, Emerling delivered a pinch-hit grand slam to put Oklahoma in front 5-2.
Nevertheless, the Rebels had one more rally attempt in them. Singles by Cassie Reasner and Taylor Roman, followed by a Sooner error loaded the bases with one out. However, Oklahoma pitcher Audrey Lowry shut the door with two strikeouts to end the inning, as Oklahoma would secure the victory in the seventh inning.
The Rebels are set to wrap up the homestand on Wednesday, hosting UAB for a 5 p.m. CT clash. The game will be streamed via SEC Network Plus.
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
For all Ole Miss softball news and information, go to OleMissSports.com and follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissSoftball, on Facebook at Ole Miss Softball and on Instagram at @olemisssoftball. Also, follow head coach Jamie Trachsel on Twitter at @Jamie_Trachsel.
The Rebels (20-14, 0-9 SEC) took a lead into the sixth inning, but the Sooners (32-2, 6-0 SEC) were able to jump ahead for good on a grand slam by Isabela Emerling.
Rebel starting pitcher Kyra Aycock set the tone for the day right from the start, opening up the first inning with two strikeouts. Aycock followed it up by working around an error and striking out a third batter. The senior finished with a season-high seven strikeouts in a complete game.
The Rebels were the first to strike in the second inning, manufacturing a pair of runs. The inning began with a Madi George double, but the Sooners got the next two outs. However, Laylonna Applin put the ball in play and not only did the Oklahoma first baseman make an error, but the ensuing throw by the second baseman got away, allowing the pinch runner Alexa Rosales to zoom home from second base for a 1-0 lead.
From there, Ryan Starr singled off Sooner pitcher Sydney Berzon's ankles to put runners at first and third. Taylor Malvin came through in the clutch, driving a single through the right side that scored a run, but saw the trail runner thrown out at the plate to end the inning at 2-0.
After a scoreless third inning, the Sooners got on the board with a solo home run to make it 2-1. Despite that, Aycock promptly generated two strikeouts and got out of the inning without further issue.
The Rebels found a scoring opportunity in the fifth inning as Kennedy Bunker walked and Mackenzie Pickens drew a hit-by-pitch to put a runner in scoring position. However, the Sooners stifled the potential scoring opportunity with a strikeout.
Despite another Aycock strikeout in the sixth inning, the Sooners loaded the bases on two singles and an error. Ultimately, Emerling delivered a pinch-hit grand slam to put Oklahoma in front 5-2.
Nevertheless, the Rebels had one more rally attempt in them. Singles by Cassie Reasner and Taylor Roman, followed by a Sooner error loaded the bases with one out. However, Oklahoma pitcher Audrey Lowry shut the door with two strikeouts to end the inning, as Oklahoma would secure the victory in the seventh inning.
The Rebels are set to wrap up the homestand on Wednesday, hosting UAB for a 5 p.m. CT clash. The game will be streamed via SEC Network Plus.
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
For all Ole Miss softball news and information, go to OleMissSports.com and follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissSoftball, on Facebook at Ole Miss Softball and on Instagram at @olemisssoftball. Also, follow head coach Jamie Trachsel on Twitter at @Jamie_Trachsel.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Lowry, Audrey (15-1)
L: Aycock, Kyra (8-6)
Batting:
HR: Wells, Kendall 1 ; Emerling, Isabela 1
RBI: Wells, Kendall 1 ; Emerling, Isabela 4
Base Running:
RUNS: Parker, Ella 1 ; Wells, Kendall 1 ; Garcia, Gabbie 1 ; Minor, Kai 1 ; Emerling, Isabela 1
SB: Minor, Kai 1
CS: Parker, Ella 1

Batting:
2B: George, Madi 1
RBI: Malvin, Taylor 1
SH: Pickens, Mackenzie 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Rosales, Alexa 1 ; Applin, Laylonna 1
SB: Starr, Ryan 1
HBP: Bunker, Kennedy 1 ; Pickens, Mackenzie 1
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
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