April 27, 2003

Oxford, Miss. – USC (36-15, 18-10 SEC) dropped its final SEC regular season game to Ole Miss (18-32, 7-20 SEC) 2-1 Sunday. Despite outhitting the Rebels 8-2, the Gamecocks managed only one run. Starting pitcher Melanie Henkes took the loss for USC, dropping her record to 16-4 while Rebels starter Lindsay earned the victory and improved to 10-12 overall.

Ole Miss jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Catcher DeDe Justice singled after centerfielder Brooke Justice walked. Turner scored on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Andrea Brahs while Justice scored on a fielder’s choice.

The Gamecocks cut the lead in half in the top of the second inning. Meghan Cornett lead off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Ashley Smith. Melissa Sandel singled, advancing Cornett to third. Designated hitter Kristin Hall singled to score Cornett, trimming the Rebels lead to 2-1. However, the Gamecocks could not come any closer, stranding 10 baserunners in the game.

Wednesday, the Gamecocks travel to Conway, South Carolina to face Coastal Carolina in a two-game series to end the regular season before travelling to Plant City, Florida for the SEC tournament beginning May 8.