Softball Drops Series Opener to Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 10/11 South Carolina softball team (31-9, 6-7) dropped the opening game of its series against No. 12/10 Arkansas (30-8, 9-7) 10-2 in six innings Friday night (Apr. 11).

Carolina jumped out to the early lead with a run in each of the first two innings. In the top of the first, Quincee Lilio drew a four-pitch leadoff walk. One out later Karley Shelton singled. Lexi Winters hit into a fielder’s choice, but a slow play from the defense allowed Lilio to score from second.

In the second inning, a leadoff double from Ella Chancey and walk to Brooke Blankenship put runners on the corners. Carolina executed a perfectly timed double steal, allowing Chancey to swipe home.

Arkansas would score 10 unanswered runs, scoring one in the third before going ahead with five runs in the bottom of the fifth. They added four more in the sixth.

Sam Gress (8-5) suffered the loss in 2 2-3 innings of relief. She allowed five earned runs on three hits while striking out four and walking three.

Game two of the series will be tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.