March 11, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina softball continues its homestand as they step outside of conference play and host the Northern Illinois Huskies on Wed., March 12 at 3 p.m. The 14th-ranked Gamecocks are 16-6 overall and 1-1 in SEC play while the Huskies are 10-3. Wednesday is also “After School Special Day”, all school age children get free admission to the doubleheader.

This marks the first meeting between the two teams since 1992 and the first visit to Columbia for the Huskies since 1986. Carolina leads the overall series 4-1. USC is coming off of a 2-1 weekend while NIU currently has a four-game win streak going. The Huskies went 3-0 at the College of Charleston Invitational last weekend, posting wins over East Carolina and St. Bonaventure twice.

Sophomore Meghan Cornett had her hitting streak halted at eight games last weekend in the series against Mississippi State, while senior Debralee Troesh becomes the Gamecocks current hitting streak leader with seven games. Senior Danielle Quinones is next with a six-game hitting streak.

Carolina returns to SEC action this weekend when defending SEC Champions, the 9th-ranked LSU Tigers come to Columbia. Saturday’s doubleheader is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start while Sunday’s game has a 2 p.m. start time and will be broadcast on FOX SportsSouth.