Oct. 21, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – After a two-week break due to first fall break and other issues, the Gamecock softball team wraps up its fall exhibition schedule with back-to-back doubleheaders this weekend. Friday’s matchup pits South Carolina against Division II Erskine in a doubleheader that begins at 5:30 p.m. Then the Garnet and Black retake the field on Saturday to take on Chattanooga State (Tenn.), with first pitch of the twinbill set for 1 p.m.

The Gamecocks are 4-0 on the fall, sweeping doubleheaders from Spartanburg Methodist College and USC Aiken on consecutive Fridays. The squad has looked strong, with junior Ashley Chastain and sophomore Kelsey Goodwin picking up the win in the circle once. Sophomore Kierstyn White got the other two, as she took a victory over both the Pioneers and Pacers.

The Erskine Flying Fleet went 22-20 last season and finished fifth in Conference Carolinas. Junior Lindsey LaPrad stands top among the returning hitters, hitting .372 while reaching base at a .417 clip. Senior pitcher Lauren Gunter returns as well after going 11-8 for the Flying Fleet in 2009.

Chattanooga State has taken on some top competition this fall, even besting NCAA Division I squad Evansville in a doubleheader during their outings. The Tigers from Tennessee faced off against Auburn and Tennessee during fall games as well, losing to both SEC squads. The Tigers finished second in the NJCAA Region VII Tournament last spring.

There is no charge for admission to either date or any fall games at Beckham Field.