Jan. 23, 2011
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s softball team wrapped up a busy second week of practice and events with a scrimmage on Sunday afternoon at Beckham Field.
The Gamecocks started the week hosting clinics on Monday, where the squad helped instruct the dozens of youth players who came to the Columbia campus for the event. The squad practiced the next three days, capping Thursday with an appearance at the women’s basketball game against nationally-ranked Tennessee.
As the team was introduced to the crowd during halftime, head coach Beverly Smith chatted with Brad Muller on the radio broadcast of the game. A trio of Gamecocks assisted with the halftime entertainment, a troupe of trampoline dunkers who wowed the crowd. And some of the Gamecocks helped encourage the crowd on a timeout, tossing t-shirts to the fans.
On Friday, the team had the day off, but six Gamecocks took the time to help New Providence Elementary School at the Books and BBQ event. Making up half of the Gamecock contingent, the group signed autographs, took pictures with the patrons and read books to the children at the event.
The team got back to the field on Saturday, but it returned to Colonial Life Arena that afternoon, signing autographs prior to the Kentucky men’s basketball game before taking to the court again during the first half to a nice applause and helping throw t-shirts again in the second half.
A high-energy scrimmage came on Sunday, with some excellent individual performances coming in all facets of the game. The six-inning scrimmage gave everyone a chance to show their improvement in a game situation.
Opening day for the Gamecocks is 19 days away, as South Carolina hosts the Palmetto State Showdown over Feb. 11-13 at Beckham Field.
