South Carolina softball begins the NCAA Tournament with a victory against Elon.

The South Carolina Gamecocks opened their 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament campaign with a commanding 5-2 victory over the Elon Phoenix in the Columbia Regional. The win marked a strong start for the Gamecocks, who are aiming to advance deep into the postseason.([Southeastern Conference][1])

### Game Recap

South Carolina’s offense came alive in the third inning, scoring all five of their runs. The Gamecocks capitalized on a series of timely hits and strategic base running to take control of the game. Elon managed to get on the board early, but South Carolina’s pitching staff, led by Jori Heard, kept the Phoenix’s offense in check.([Southeastern Conference][1])

### Pitching Performance

Jori Heard delivered a stellar performance in the circle, pitching five and one-third innings and striking out six batters. Her dominant outing was instrumental in limiting Elon’s scoring opportunities and securing the Gamecocks’ victory.

### Looking Ahead

With this win, South Carolina advances in the Columbia Regional and will face the winner of the Duke vs. Morgan State game. The Gamecocks are focused on maintaining their momentum and aiming for a deep run in the tournament.([University of South Carolina Athletics][2], [dailygamecock.com][3])

The Columbia Regional continues to be a competitive field, and South Carolina’s performance in this opening game sets a positive tone for their postseason aspirations.

South Carolina Softball Opens NCAA Tournament with Commanding Victory over Elon
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Under the bright postseason lights of Beckham Field, the South Carolina Gamecocks took the first step toward their championship aspirations with a 5-2 victory over the Elon Phoenix in the opening round of the Columbia Regional of the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament. Fueled by an explosive third inning and a strong outing in the circle by sophomore pitcher Jori Heard, the Gamecocks sent a clear message — they are here to contend.

This win marked South Carolina’s 39th victory of the season, improving their overall record to 39-17. More importantly, it gave them early control in a fiercely competitive regional that includes Duke and Morgan State.

A Statement Start
South Carolina entered the game with considerable expectations. Head coach Bev Smith, now in her 15th season at the helm, emphasized before the tournament the importance of setting the tone early.

“We’ve been talking all week about attacking early and staying aggressive,” Smith said in the postgame press conference. “And I thought the girls did a great job executing that plan tonight.”

Although the Gamecocks fell behind briefly after Elon scored in the top of the third inning, they responded swiftly and decisively in the bottom half. A five-run surge — punctuated by a two-run double from junior outfielder Marissa Gonzalez and a key RBI single by shortstop Brooke Blankenship — flipped the game on its head.

“That inning was everything,” said Gonzalez. “We’ve worked so hard for moments like that, and it felt amazing to contribute and get us rolling.”

Inside the Third-Inning Explosion
The bottom of the third began modestly enough. Catcher Emma Sellers drew a walk, followed by a well-placed bunt single from Kayla Hall. After a sacrifice advanced the runners, a wild pitch allowed Sellers to score, tying the game 1-1. Then the Gamecocks capitalized on Elon’s momentary unraveling.

Gonzalez stepped into the box with two runners on and delivered a sharp double to the left-center gap, scoring both. Blankenship followed with a clean single to right, bringing in Gonzalez. By the time the dust settled, South Carolina had sent nine batters to the plate, scoring five runs on four hits and two Elon errors.

“It was a combination of smart hitting and putting pressure on the defense,” Coach Smith said. “We talk all the time about making the other team beat you — don’t beat yourself — and I think we did a great job of that in that inning.”

Jori Heard: The Calm in the Circle
While the offense made headlines, South Carolina’s win was also anchored by a poised and dominant performance from sophomore pitcher Jori Heard. The right-hander threw 5.1 innings, allowing only two earned runs on five hits while striking out six.

“I just focused on staying composed,” Heard said after the game. “Coach always tells us that big games require big focus. I trusted my stuff, and I knew my defense would have my back.”

Indeed, the Gamecocks flashed leather behind her, turning a pair of key double plays in the fourth and fifth innings that prevented Elon from building momentum.

Smith praised Heard’s growth throughout the season.

“She’s matured so much,” Smith said. “The Jori you’re seeing now is a product of months of hard work, watching film, adjusting, and learning to command the moment. I’m proud of her.”

Elon’s Grit and Fight
Despite the loss, Elon showed tenacity throughout the game. The Phoenix, entering the NCAA Tournament as Colonial Athletic Association champions, were playing in just their third tournament in program history. Head coach Kathy Bocock acknowledged the difficulty of facing a battle-tested SEC opponent but remained proud of her team’s effort.

“We played hard and we had some chances early,” Bocock said. “But South Carolina made big plays when they had to. We’ll regroup and be ready for the next one.”

Elon’s scoring came in the third and seventh innings. They broke through against Heard with a two-out rally in the top of the third, sparked by a double from first baseman Maddie Moyer and an RBI single from shortstop Carley Davis. In the seventh, they added a run against reliever Kat Chalmers, but it was too little, too late.

Looking Ahead in the Columbia Regional
The win advances South Carolina to the winner’s bracket, where they are set to face the victor of the Duke vs. Morgan State matchup. A win in that game would place them one win away from advancing to the Super Regional round, while a loss would force them into the elimination bracket.

“We’re not looking past anyone,” said Coach Smith. “In this format, every game is a fight. But I like where we are right now.”

The Columbia Regional is among the most balanced in the bracket. Duke, seeded No. 10 nationally, brings a combination of power and pitching depth, while Morgan State, the MEAC champion, has played inspired softball down the stretch. South Carolina, buoyed by home-field advantage and a raucous crowd of over 2,000 fans, will need to maintain its sharpness.

Fan Energy and the Home Crowd Advantage
Friday’s game drew a packed house, with fans braving humid conditions to support their team. The stands were awash in garnet and black, with chants of “Go Cocks!” echoing throughout the stadium.

“It’s electric,” said senior third baseman Riley Blampied. “We feed off that energy. When you hear the crowd behind you, it gives you that extra push.”

South Carolina’s players took time postgame to thank fans and sign autographs — a tradition that underscores the connection between the program and its community.

“This is a softball town now,” Coach Smith added with a smile.

Player of the Game: Marissa Gonzalez
While Heard’s performance in the circle was crucial, Marissa Gonzalez earns Player of the Game honors for her game-changing double and strong outfield defense. Her ability to step up in a high-pressure moment was reflective of South Carolina’s overall readiness for the tournament.

“She’s a spark plug,” Smith said. “That hit changed the game.”

Gonzalez, who has quietly built a strong season batting .313 with 7 home runs and 38 RBIs, continues to be a vital part of the Gamecocks’ offensive core.

Tournament Implications
The NCAA Tournament is a grueling gauntlet — 64 teams enter, but only eight reach the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. For South Carolina, this opening win provides both a confidence boost and a critical advantage in the double-elimination format.

Historically, teams that win their first regional game advance to the Super Regionals nearly 70% of the time. That’s not a guarantee, but it underscores the importance of getting out in front early.

“This is the start,” Heard said. “We’re not done. Not even close.”

A Look Back — and a Look Forward
This win also represents a milestone in the ongoing resurgence of South Carolina softball. After missing the postseason in 2021 and 2022, the Gamecocks returned in 2023 and have now made consecutive tournament appearances. Under Smith’s leadership, the team has re-established itself as a national contender.

Recruiting, development, and veteran leadership have all contributed to the program’s upward trajectory. Players like Blampied, Sellers, and Gonzalez have set the tone, while young talents like Heard and freshman infielder Maddie Galbo are stepping into key roles.

“We’re building something special here,” Blampied said. “This team is tight, we believe in each other, and we’re ready to go as far as we can.”

Final Thoughts
As South Carolina moves forward in the NCAA Tournament, Friday night’s win over Elon serves as both a reminder and a warning. This team has depth, power, experience — and perhaps most importantly, belief.

“We’ve got more softball to play,” Coach Smith said. “But this was a great way to start.”

Gamecocks fans will no doubt hope that the opening act is just a prelude to a thrilling postseason run.