March 18, 2007
Columbia, S.C. – In a hard fought battle, the University of South Carolina softball team dropped the final game of the three-game series, 3-1, against the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide. The No. 24 Gamecocks are now 24-7 (3-3 SEC), while the Crimson Tide is 27-1 (7-1 SEC). Melissa Hendon took the loss and fell to 10-4, 2-3 in SEC action, while Blair Potter earned the victory and improved to 6-0.
“I felt that we battled this weekend and I think it gave the team some confidence,” Head Coach Joyce Compton said. “We know we can play with any team that we face. I thought we were very selective hitting wise and I expect us to play hard when we face Tennessee next weekend.”
The Gamecocks jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third with a solo homerun off the bat of Lisa Longo. The homerun was only the second homerun allowed by Alabama pitcher Chrissy Owens. The Gamecocks threatened again when Ashton Payne hit a stand-up double before Adele Voigt flied out to end the inning.
Alabama tied the game at one after a homerun by Mandy Burford in the top of the fourth. The Gamecocks then retired the next the batter on a fly out to Lindsay Walker. South Carolina’s offense came alive again when McKenna Hughes beat out the throw to first from right field, then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Hendon. Alabama retired the next batter ending the inning.
The Crimson Tide took the lead in the top of the sixth with a solo shot to right field by Jordan Praytor. Junior Kate Pouliot relieved Hendon in the sixth and retired the next two batters faced.
Alabama extended its lead by one when pinch runner Mallory Benak scored on a fielder’s choice to home plate. Pouliot then struck out the next batter and the tagged the runner at third for the final out.
The South Carolina offense added three hits over the final four innings, but could not regain the lead.
South Carolina returns to action Wednesday, March 18 when they travel to Knoxville, Tenn. to face the No. 1 Lady Vols.
Alabama 3, South Carolina 1 (Mar 18, 2007 at Columbia, S.C.)
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Alabama…………. 000 101 1 – 3 4 0 (28-1, 7-1)
South Carolina…… 001 000 0 – 1 5 1 (24-7, 3-3)
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Pitchers: Alabama – Owens; Potter(5). South Carolina – Kate Pouliot; Melissa Hendon(2).
Win-Potter(6-0) Loss-Melissa Hendon(10-4) T-1:35 A-385
HR UA – Praytor (2); Burford (8). HR SC – Lisa Longo (1).
