Mizzou softball began their game against South Carolina with a strong start, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to home runs from Stefania Abruscato and Abby Hay. However, the Tigers' offense struggled significantly after the first inning, failing to score for the remainder of the game. South Carolina capitalized on this, tying the game in the fourth inning with a home run from Arianna Rodi and taking the lead in the fifth with a two-run homer from Jamie Mackay. Mizzou's pitching saw Cierra Harrison perform well for five innings before Abby Carr allowed three runs in relief, leading to a final score of 5-2. Mizzou's head coach Larissa Anderson acknowledged the team's lack of performance, stating, “South Carolina deserved to win that game.” The Tigers, now at 23-23, will aim for redemption in the second game of the series scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m.