April 24, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A standout at Umatilla (Fla.) High School one year ago, Jill Semento has quickly become an integral part of the University of South Carolina softball team.

The third baseman has started 36 games for Carolina as a true freshman at the hot corner and as the designated player. She is one of two freshmen that broke into the starting lineup for a team that brought back eight starters from the super regional squad a year ago.

Semento chose South Carolina over Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Rutgers and Stetson. She enjoys the weather in Columbia and the Southern hospitality.

“It’s different here,” said Semento. “The accents make people sound so nice and caring. (And) it is less humid (here) than at home.”

As a freshman, Semento leads the team with five home runs and 18 RBI, with a pair of standout games where she drove in four runs. At Coastal Carolina, she smashed a grand slam to give the Gamecocks a 6-2 victory over its in-state rival. She has also contributed in other ways at the plate compiling a .311 batting average, second best on the squad, while leading the way with a .403 on-base percentage.

For much of her career, she played for her dad; he was either head coach or an assistant. Playing for a new coach has not been much of an adjustment for Semento. “You have to grow up sometime. I enjoyed having my dad on the bench, but just like everything else there is a time to move on.”

Semento’s main goal is to have a winning season. “I want to go far into the (NCAA Tournament). We have to want to play. For myself, I just want to do well.”

During her senior year, she lettered in four sports and was named Umatilla’s Athlete of the Year. She also picked up U.S. Army Scholar-Athlete accolades, and she is a two-time first-team All-Central Florida honoree. Last year, she added a Florida Sports Writers Association 3A All-State first team certificate to her trophy case.

The Gamecocks continue their season in SEC play with a three-game series at Mississippi this weekend.