Feb. 10, 2017
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecocks of South Carolina (2-0) continued their dominance across the diamond in Friday’s second game, trouncing Presbyterian (1-1) 8-0 in five innings at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.
Freshman Cayla Drotar (1-0) posted a one-hitter in her first start in the Garnet and Black. The Hartsville, S.C., product struck out six and only walked one in the five-inning blanking.
A six-run first inning propelled the Gamecocks to the victory. Triples by freshman Mackenzie Boesel and senior Victoria Williams, the first career for both, posted the first run, while Williams scored on a fielding error with two outs. The Gamecocks piled on from there, getting two-RBI singles from juniors Krystan White and Kamryn Watts.
White started the third with a double and scored on a Blue Hose error, making it 7-0. Williams tallied the decisive run with a fourth-inning leadoff blast.
Presbyterian starter Alex Cook (0-1) lasted two-thirds of an inning, giving up six runs, one earned, on four hits.
GAME CHANGER
Drotar kept the Blue Hose off balance in her first career start, changing speeds to help get her six strikeouts, five in the final two frames.
KEY STAT
White went 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI in the win, capping a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate
NOTABLES
Williams went 2-for-3 with the homer, triple, two runs and two RBI.
Eight of the nine Gamecock batters reached base during the game.
Kelsie Sanchez recorded the only Presbyterian hit in the second on a ball hit deep into the hole between shortstop and third base.
TWEET OF THE GAME
â¤️â¤️â¤️â¤️â¤️ pic.twitter.com/QD5HLai8Cy
— Emily Hendrix (@EmilyHendrix2) February 10, 2017
Quoting Head coach Beverly Smith
It was a great feeling (to get two convincing wins). I thought our team played very well in both games. I told them before the game I wanted to see the team that’s been at practice. The good news is that what they looked like today is what we’ve seen in practice. I was thrilled, from the gritty at-bats to the good pitching and defense. It was all around a great effort.
On her pitching staff tossing two shutouts on the day
I was pleased with two shutouts today from both pitchers. Cayla Drotar, in her freshman debut, was nervous, but she did an excellent job.
Up Next
The Gamecocks take on defending Big South champs Longwood on day two of the Carolina Classic. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.
