March 15, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – The Gamecock softball team will host their first SEC home series of the season this Tuesday and Wednesday when the Arkansas Lady ‘Backs head to Columbia. No. 15 South Carolina is 14-5 overall and 3-3 in the SEC while Arkansas is 8-11 overall and 0-6 in the SEC. Tuesday’s doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. (EST) and Wednesday’s game time is 4 p.m. (EST).

The Gamecocks lead the series against Arkansas 10-9, which dates back to 1998. Last year, USC swept the Lady ‘Backs 3-0 in Fayetteville. Arkansas has yet to earn a conference win this season and has been swept by No. 8 Alabama and Auburn. The Gamecocks will look to get back on the winning track after a 1-2 weekend against no. 4 LSU.

Leading the Gamecocks in the circle is Stacey Johnson who is 8-1 and has a 1.23 ERA. At the plate for South Carolina is Meghan Cornett with a .351 average and Samantha Jennings, who leads the team in home runs with eight.

For the Lady ‘Backs, who are coached by former Gamecock assistant coach Carie Dever-Boaz, pitcher Heather Schlichtman leads the way with six of Arkansas’ eight wins and Rachel LaMaster has a .283 average.

In the last two series meetings, the Gamecocks are 5-1, including winning the last four straight.