Feb. 6, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
After a productive off-season, the University of South Carolina softball team is once again ready to put their bats in action as the Gamecocks open the 2004 season on the road in North Carlolina. USC will take on the Charlotte 49’ers Saturday, Feb. 7 in a Noon doubleheader. The Gamecocks will then travel to Chapel Hill for a Sunday 1:00 p.m. doubleheader against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The meeting with Charlotte will be the 26th between the two teams, with South Carolina holding a 23-2 edge. The 49’ers return four starters from last year’s squad that went 14-31. Leading the returnees is Denise Atmar with a .289 average. This is the first match-up since 2002 for the two teams.

The Gamecocks and Tar Heels will meet for the battle of the border for the 53rd time in program history. South Carolina leads UNC 42-10 including a two-game sweep last year. The Tar Heels return six starting position players, four pitchers, and are led by sophomore Crystal Cox who posted a 24-13 record and a 1.17 ERA last season.

Both series will be broadcast by USCSports.com live via the internet. The doubleheader with Charlotte is scheduled to begin at Noon while the North Carolina games are scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.