Feb. 15, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecock softball team returns home Wednesday for a midweek doubleheader against Virginia Tech. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Beckham Field. Wednesday is “After School Special” day. All school-aged children get in free with a paying adult.

USC (6-1) is coming off of a 3-0 week after sweeping Charlotte and picking up a shutout win against Wisconsin at the Kajikawa Tournament in Tempe, Ariz. Jessica Josker led the way for the Gamecocks last week as she went 6-for-10 with a double and recorded a .600 batting average. Lisa Longo drove in the most runs for USC as she had five and hit .400 on the week. Longo also recorded her first career home run, a solo shot in the sixth inning of the Wisconsin game.

Freshman pitcher Jessica Barnes went 2-0 last week with two shutouts. Barnes pitched 13 innings and recorded 13 strikeouts.

Virgina Tech enters the game with a 2-2 record. The Hokies posted wins over Stetson but have two losses to Iowa. Megan Evans leads the way for Virginia Tech with a .455 batting average and five hits, including a home run. In the circle for the Hokies, Katie Maynard and Angela Tincher are both 1-1. Maynard has a 1.11 ERA while Tincher has a 1.50 ERA. In 14 innings pitched, Tincher has 20 strikeouts and has allowed 10 hits.

For the series, USC leads 4-1. The Gamecocks won the last meeting 8-4 in 2003 at the Plant City Tournament.

USC has been able to maintain impressive hitting so far this season as they have recorded four games with 10 or more hits. In seven games and 47 innings, Carolina has totaled 40 runs and has allowed five. Gamecock pitching has given up only 27 hits.

The game can be followed live via internet audio or Gametracker live stats at uscsports.com.