February 10, 2002

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The No. 22 South Carolina softball team fell to No. 9 Washington, 8-1, in the final game of the Seminole Challenge. South Carolina falls to 2-2, while Washington improves to 9-0.

Washington got out to a fast start, scoring three runs in the first inning. Becky Simpson reached first off an overthrow from pitcher Stacey Johnson to first baseman Meghan Cornett. Batting second for the Huskies, Amanda Oleson reacehd first with a fielder’s choice and advanced Simpson to second. Shortstop Jaime Clark drove in Simpson and Amanda Oleson off a double to left center field. Clark would later be driven home from a Kristen Rivera single. Huskies led the first inning 3-0.

In the second inning Washington added two more runs to lead the Gamecocks 5-0. Simpson scored her second run of the game, while Roach crossed home plate for the first time.

The third inning witnessed three more Husky runs. Simpson, Stephanie Nicholson and Roach each tallied another run to give the Huskies an 8-0 lead after the third inning.

USC’s best scoring opportunity came in the fifth inning. Tia Rogers lobbed the ball over the first baseman’s head, giving the Gamecocks their first hit of the game. Kim Evans, pinch running for Rogers, advanced to second after Melissa Sandel was walked. Singling to right field, Samantha Jennings loaded the bases for Jodi Fittro. Fittro drove in Evans for USC’s only run of the game.

In the sixth inning the Gamecocks had two base runners on first and second but were unable to capitalize.

Freshman Aleca Johnson made her pitching debut as she relieved Stacey Johnson in the bottom of the fourth. The pitching tandem registered six strikeouts.

The Gamecocks open their home season Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 3:00 p.m. when they host the Georgia Southern Eagles. USC has dominated the series with a 37-0 record.