Feb. 27, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ga. – All good things come to an end, and that proves true with South Carolina softball as the squad drops a 7-0 decision to Illinois State to end a 10-game winning streak in the second game for the Gamecocks in the NFCA Leadoff Classic at South Commons Stadium.
The Redbirds (6-6) put up all the runs they needed in the second, as Jessie Buker singled home Michelle Henderson after Katie Mathis sacrificed her into scoring position. They added two more in the third, with Abby Olson getting a bases-loaded single to plate Niki Stansell. South Carolina (12-2) freshman pitcher Kelsey Goodwin, making her first career appearance, came on and got two outs before Buker walked to score another run.
Illinois State added four more runs for good measure in the sixth. Amber Smith doubled in Jessica Roche and Stansell and later scored on Olson’s blast to center.
Gamecock freshman centerfielder Kristen Stubblefield went 2-for-3 at the plate, collecting two of the three South Carolina hits.
Jordan Birch (3-3) pitched well for Illinois State, striking out four while walking two in the complete game shutout. Krystle Robinson (1-1) got the loss, allowing three earned runs on four hits and three walks.
South Carolina is schedul3ed to take on Nebraska and Penn State on Field 2 at the South Commons Complex on Saturday.
