Jan. 29, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – The 2003 softball season gets underway Sunday, Feb. 2 as the South Carolina Gamecocks host the North Carolina Tar Heels in a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Beckham Field. Fans who bring their USC vs. Kentucky men’s basketball ticket stub to the softball game get in for $1. The Gamecocks are 40-10 all-time against the Tar Heels. Last year, UNC swept the Garnet and Black in a doubleheader at Chapel Hill, 9-8 and 8-1.

Entering her 17th season as head coach of the Gamecocks, head coach Joyce Compton is ready to start the season. Under Compton, USC is 14-2 in season openers and 15-1 in home season openers.

“We are excited to get started and look forward to the year,” said Compton. “I am comfortable with our defense going into the season, and our offense continues to improve. I think right now we are just ready to play someone other then ourselves. It will be good to see us in some actual game situations.”

The Gamecocks posted a 46-20 overall record and a 20-10 SEC record in 2002. In addition, Carolina claimed the SEC Eastern Division title and was just one win away from the Women’s College World Series. Returning for USC this season is second team All-SEC selection Amber Curtis at shortstop and the team’s second leading hitter, sophomore Meghan Cornett, at first base. Cornett, along with sophomore Aleca Johnson and senior Debralee Troesh were all named to the NCAA Columbia Regional tournament team.

North Carolina, coached by Donna Papa, finished the season 34-30 and went 2-6 in the ACC. The Tar Heels return their leading hitter, Tiffany Tolleson, who hit .411 for the season, and senior outfielder Quinn Porter, their RBI leader.

This marks the third time the Gamecocks have opened a season against North Carolina. In 1997 and in 2001, USC defeated the Tar Heels 1-0.