Sept. 23, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – While Joyce Compton is still at the helm, the South Carolina softball team begins a new era as it plays in its first fall game under the Hall of Fame head coach on Friday against Spartanburg Methodist College. The doubleheader is set for 5 p.m. EDT at Beckham Field.

Seven starters and all but one pitcher return from last year’s team that went 21-24 but had a 15-3 mark in non-conference play. Compton says the team is ready for the fall games.

“We are excited about getting to see our squad play outside competition this year,” said Compton. “I think this will be beneficial when our spring season rolls around in getting our new players some game experience. It is also giving our team an extra boost of excitement to play real games in the fall.”

The Gamecocks will have an extra edge in scouting for this first opponent, as new assistant coach Rick Pauly came to Columbia from SMC. There is no charge for admission to any fall game at Beckham Field.