Hovermale’s First Career Home Run Gives No. 19 Softball Road Win

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Alyssa Hovermale’s first career home run lifted the No. 19 South Carolina softball team (11-5) to a 5-4 win in Carolina’s first true road game of the season at Winthrop (7-8) Wednesday night (Feb. 25).

Hovermale and Quincee Lilio each finished with two hits on the night. Hovermale also led the way with two RBIs. Arianna Rodi reached base in all four of her at-bats, finishing with a double and three walks.

The Eagles jumped out to an early 4-0 advantage. They had a solo home run in the second and in the third they added an RBI single and a two-run home run.

South Carolina got on the board with three runs in the fourth. After a walk and a single to start the inning, Shae Anderson brough home the first run on a sacrifice fly to center. Jamie Mackay followed with an RBI single and Hovermale capped off the inning with an RBI double.

The Gamecocks tied it an inning later. With runners on first and second, Nia McKnight hit into a fielder’s choice, but a throwing miscue by the Winthrop shortstop allowed Rodi to score.

The game-winner came when Hovermale led off the sixth with her first career home run, clearing the wall in center field on a 1-1 count.

Jori Heard struck out all three Eagle batters in the bottom of the seventh to secure the victory. Heard (2-1) earned the win, tossing three innings of relief. She struck out seven of the nine hitters she faced.

The Gamecocks return home to host the Garnet & Black Invitational February 27-March 1.

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.