April 30, 2003

CONWAY, S.C. – South Carolina scored six runs off of 10 hits, including a five-run seventh inning, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a seven-run deficit as the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina defeated the 18th-ranked Gamecocks 7-6. USC recorded two errors to Coastal Carolina’s three before 162 fans in Conway, S.C.

Melanie Henkes (16-5) gave up six earned runs in six innings for the Gamecocks (36-16), striking out four and walking five, but held Coastal Carolina (34-14) to only eight hits. Christine Doyle (18-7) recorded the win for Coastal, giving up 10 hits and six runs, however only one was earned, while striking out four.

In the top of the seventh, with USC down 7-1, Meghan Cornett started off the inning by reaching base off of a fielding error by the Coastal shortstop Kelli Julg. Kim Evans, pinch hitting for Melissa Sandel, reached first off of another error by Julg, advancing Cornett to second. Tia Rogers, pinch hitting for Kristin Hall, singled to centerfield to load the bases. Nancy Crane then smacked a single to left field, scoring Cornett. Amber Curtis was the next Gamecock up and reached base off of a fielder’s choice as Coastal got the force out at home as Evans tried to score. Jodi Fittro then hit a two RBI double to center, scoring Crane and Rogers. Debralee Troesh walked to load the bases once again for the Garnet and Black.

Third baseman Danielle Quinones this hit a single to center field, scoring two runs as Troesh was called out at second on a relay from center field to first base to second. Samantha Jennings came up hitting for Ashley Smith and singled to right field, then advancing to second on the throw. Cornett, batting for the second time in the inning, couldn’t keep the rally alive as she lined out to first to end the game.