Oklahoma softball falls to Tennessee 5-2 in return of former Sooner Sophia Nugent
Former Sooner catcher Sophia Nugent returned to Norman and defeated Oklahoma in a highly anticipated matchup at Love’s Field.
Nugent’s decision to transfer to Tennessee was announced in June 2023.
During her tenure with the Sooners, Nugent appeared in 73 games, making 19 starts. She compiled a .278 batting average, scored 22 runs, and tallied eight home runs and 28 RBIs. Defensively, she maintained a flawless fielding percentage, recording 153 putouts and seven assists without error.
The game opened with Tennessee striking first. In the top of the second inning, Amayah Doyle launched a two-run homer to give the Lady Vols an early lead. Oklahoma responded in the bottom of the third when Gabbie Garcia’s sacrifice fly brought home Hannah Coor, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
In the bottom of the fifth, Oklahoma tied the game on a solo home run to right field by Abigale Dayton. With both teams battling in a tense back-and-forth contest, the matchup extended into extra innings, where Sophia Nugent delivered the decisive blow.
Both teams battled in a tense back-and-forth contest as the game advanced into extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Nugent stepped to the plate and crushed a two-run home run to right field, putting Tennessee ahead 4-2.
Moments later, Laura Mealer scored on a wild pitch, extending the Lady Vols’ lead to 5-2.
After throwing 70 pitches against Wichita State, Oklahoma pitcher Sam Landry threw all eight innings against Tennessee, totaling 141 pitches. She allowed eight hits and recorded two strikeouts, with her first strikeout coming against Nugent in the sixth inning.
After the game, Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso acknowledged the challenge Tennessee presented and the impact of her former player.
“Tennessee is very good. They’re very good,” Gasso said. “They’re good on defense. They’re good hitters, their pitching staff. Of course, Sophia Nugent would be the one who hit the ball out, but they’re tough to beat.”
Beyond the competitive stakes, the game highlighted the interconnectedness of modern college athletics. With the NCAA transfer portal providing greater mobility for student-athletes, matchups like this one are becoming more common.
Players move on to seek new opportunities, but their legacies at former programs remain. Nugent’s performance was a testament to that dynamic.
