March 8, 2002

COLUMBIA, S.C. – It is SEC time and the South Carolina softball team will open the conference season this weekend as they host the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks. As the Gamecocks look to defend their SEC Eastern Division title, the three-game series will begin with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. on Saturday and a single game on Sunday, also at 1 p.m.

“The first part of the season is supposed to be preparation for the conference competition,” said head coach Joyce Compton. “This is what we have been waiting for and we are very excited for SEC play. We know that every time we step out on that field there will be a challenge, and we have to be ready at all times.”

The Lady Razorbacks are 15-6 overall and third in the SEC West. In Columbia, Arkansas is 3-1. Last week, Arkansas defeated Virginia Tech and Wisconsin at the Frost Cutlery Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The Gamecocks are 5-8 against the Lady ‘Backs. Last year, USC won two of the three games in Fayetteville, and in their last meeting, Carolina beat Arkansas 1-0 in the SEC Tournament. That win put the Gamecocks in the championship game of the SEC Tournament.

In the last NFCA/USA Today Coaches Poll, USC moved up one spot from 25th to 24th and Arkansas was the lone SEC team to receive votes.

The USC-Arkansas games will be broadcast on the Arkansas radio station KXUA 88.3 FM and the internet. Fans can go to the Arkansas web site www.ladybacks.com and go to the softball home page. A link will be available to listen to the game.

For the fans, Saturday is Youth League Day. All Gamecock fans 18 & under who wear their team jersey get in for $1. Sunday’s game is Junior Gamecock Club Day. All junior members enter with free admission.