Sept. 14, 2011

by Koby Padgett
Assistant Media Relations Director

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s softball team again hosts a showcase against the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) All-Stars among the eight fall contests lined up for the Gamecocks during their fall practice period.

The Gamecocks host the NPF All-Star Team, which last year featured former Olympians and college All-Americans, on Fri., Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., the third of six home games during the fall. The team kicks off the schedule on Fri., Sept. 23 against Furman and hosts Spartanburg Methodist the following week on Sept. 30. All three of those contests start at 7 p.m.

After playing a pair of games at Winthrop on Sunday, Oct. 9, the Gamecocks close out the fall season against Presbyterian and Appalachian State. The Blue Hose come in for another 7 p.m. Friday night contest on Oct. 14, while the Mountaineers take on the Gamecocks in a doubleheader on Sat., Oct. 15, with the first game beginning at 1 p.m.

Head coach Beverly Smith’s softball team returns seven starters from last year’s team that went 26-30 and ranked among the top 15 teams in terms of improvement in 2011.

2011 Gamecock Softball Fall Schedule
Fri., Sept. 23 Furman 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 30 Spartanburg Methodist 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 7 NPF All-Stars 7 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 9 vs. Gardner-Webb (in Rock Hill, S.C.) 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 9 at Winthrop 3 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 14 Presbyterian 7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 15 Appalachian State (DH) 1 p.m.