Oct. 5, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
South Carolina’s softball team hosts the NPF All-Stars on Friday night at Beckham Field, with fans wanting to get to the field before the 7 p.m. start to see baseball head coach Ray Tanner throw out the first pitch. Also, fans have the chance to take pictures with baseball’s two NCAA Championship trophies and get autographs of both the NPF All-Stars and the Gamecock softball team after the game.

The All-Stars bring a roster with former All-Americans and All-SEC members, including two former NCAA champions from the University of Washington. Jenn Salling and Ashley Charters are the former Huskies who will take part, as well as SEC standouts Francesca Enea (Florida), Megan Wiggins (Georgia) and Jessica Bachkora (Arkansas). Salling also plays with the Canadian National Team and participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, along with Caitlin Lever, a Georgia Tech grad.

The All-Stars are 5-0 on their tour and play Florida on Wednesday night before coming to Columbia.

South Carolina enters Friday’s contest at 1-1 in the fall and fresh off a 5-4 win over Spartanburg Methodist. The 10 Gamecock seniors and 16 returners will get a second shot at the All-Stars, who took a 10-0 win in five innings last year at Beckham Field.

Last season, 835 fans came out to Beckham Field for the game. This season, attendees can check out the new look of Beckham Field along with the photo and autograph opportunities, with the new sod and drainage installed with an infield skirt. New fencing and foul poles are up as well.

The game is included in the 2012 season ticket package on sale now for $25 (adults) or $10 (youth 17 and under) at GamecocksOnline.com. Tickets bought on site will cost $5 for adults and $3 for youth. Group tickets can also be purchased in advance.

The Gamecocks close the weekend on Sunday at Winthrop, facing Gardner-Webb at 1 p.m. and the host Eagles immediately following. Both games are set for Terry Field on the Winthrop campus.