Feb. 27, 2004

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Entering the game with an 899-366-2 record, South Carolina head softball coach Joyce Compton recorded her 900th career division I win as the Gamecocks defeated Princeton 6-0 at the NFCA Lead-Off Classic Friday night. Senior pitcher Stacey Johnson pitched a one-hit shutout as she improved to 4-0 on the season. USC improved to 9-1 overall while Princeton fell to 1-1. USC recorded six runs on 12 hits off of Melissa Finley (0-1). Amber Curtis went 3-for-4 with two runs and four RBI.

In the first inning, Curtis hit a two-out single to keep the inning alive. Ashley Smith then followed with a stand-up double to left field, which advanced Curtis to third. With runners at second and third, Curtis took advantage of a passed ball and scored, giving USC a 1-0 lead.

Freshman McKenna Hughes pinch hit in the top of the fifth and led off the inning with a double to centerfield. Crane then singled and stole second to move Hughes to give USC runners at second and third. With two outs, Curtis then singled to drive in Hughes and Crane and gave USC a 3-0 lead.

The Gamecocks added to its lead in the top of the seventh with two home runs. Freshman Chrissy Schoonmaker led off with her first home run of the season, a solo shot to left field to put USC up 4-0. With one out, Curtis followed with a two-run blast to left field to give USC a 6-0 lead. That would be all that the Gamecocks would need as they evened their record at the tournament 1-1.

Johnson held the Tigers to a 1-2-3 bottom of the seventh as she recorded a strikeout, a ground out and a fly out. The Tigers thought they would get a base runner in their last at bat but Crane made a great diving catch in centerfield to dash Princeton’s hopes of any rally.

The Gamecocks return to action Saturday afternoon when they face No. 18 Arizona State at 12:30 p.m. A win could have USC finishing second in their pool. Bracket play will be determined upon conclusion of the ASU game.