March 1, 2005

Columbia, S.C – The South Carolina softball team was declared the runner-up in the Silver Bracket at the tenth annual NFCA Leadoff Classic this past weekend. USC went 3-1 and earned the No. 2 seed in the Silver Bracket round of play. Outfielder/catcher Jessica Josker was named to the all-tournament team. SEC opponent Alabama, claimed the title of the bracket.

The final day of the tournament was cancelled due to heavy rain and finishes were awarded based on the standings through Saturday play. USC defeated Southern Illinois, No. 13/15 Georgia Tech and UMass. The Gamecocks lone loss was to No. 8 Michigan, who advanced to the Gold Championship bracket.

Josker earned all-tournament honors as she hit .467 and went 7-for-15 with five runs scored. Josker was the only Gamecock to reach base safely in each game, including the Georgia Tech game where she recorded no hits but drew an intentional walk.

Three SEC players were named to the all-tournament team. In addition to Josker, SEC pitcher of the week Michelle Green and Ashley Godfrey, both from Georgia, were named.

USC returns to action this weekend at Georgia Tech’s Buzz Classic in Atlanta, Ga. This is the final tournament of the season before SEC play begins next week. The Gamecocks will open the tournament against Boston University at 4 p.m. Friday. USC will then follow with Gardner-Webb, Ohio State and South Dakota State.