Softball Splits Saturday Doubleheader
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 19th-ranked South Carolina softball team (13-6) split its Saturday doubleheader (Feb. 28) on the second day of the Garnet & Black Invitational. The Gamecocks opened the day with a 3-2 victory over UAB (10-9) before falling 2-1 to Marist (6-10).
Quincee Lilio led Carolina at the plate on the day, finishing 4-for-7. Karley Shelton collected three hits, while Tate Davis, Shae Anderson, and Alyssa Hovermale each had two.
GAME 1
South Carolina got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the fourth, with Shae Anderson launching a solo home run to left field. It was Anderson’s second home run of the season.
UAB took the lead plating two runs in the top of the sixth inning.
This lead was short-lived as the Gamecocks immediately responded in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs, Hovermale delivered the clutch hit of the day, lining a two-run single up the middle, allowing Davis and Lexie Shaver to score.
Nealy Lamb (1-2) earned the victory in relief, tossing 1 2-3 innings, retiring all five batters she faced. Jori Heard started in the circle for Carolina, allowing two runs on three hits in 5 1-3 innings of work.
GAME 2
Marist jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning on a home run.
The Gamecocks cut the lead in half in the fifth when Shelton drove home Lilio with a sharp single to left field.
With two outs the bottom of the seventh, Carolina put the winning run on base after Lilio doubled and Shelton was intentionally walked. Marist was able to record the final out to end the rally.
Emma Friedel (5-2) suffered the loss after allowing two runs on one hit and struck out three in 1 2-3 innings of relief. Carolina pitchers combined for nine strikeouts on the day.
The Gamecocks return to Carolina Softball Stadium Sunday (Mar. 1) to take on the Queens University Charlotte for a doubleheader starting at 12:30 p.m.
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.
Up Next
