Oct. 2, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecock softball team, with its nine newcomers, gets its first taste of play on Friday against Charleston Southern. The twinbill begins at 5 p.m. at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field, and fans can attend all fall games for free.

South Carolina returns its starting outfield, two starting infielders, the primary starter at designated player and two pitchers from among the 13 student-athletes back from the 2013 NCAA Regional team. Senior infielder Dana Hathorn brings back the most experience, starting all three years at second base for head coach Beverly Smith, while Chelsea Hawkins has two years of starts, mostly in right, under her belt. The other member of Smith’s first freshman class, returning pitcher Julie Sarratt, still has two years of eligibility remaining. Brooke Barnhill, Ashlyn Masters and Codee Yeske also return for their senior season in the garnet and black.

That group has helped break in and bring together a group of eight freshmen and one transfer to campus. Junior Sarah Mooney, a transfer from James Madison, has the most experience, including playing in last year’s NCAA Tournament, but many of the freshmen gained accolades before coming to campus. All are trying to prove themselves at the plate and in the field to earn a spot.

Charleston Southern went 15-40 last year and bring back senior offensive leaders Marci Christian and Stephanie Sbardella. Former second-team All-Big South pitcher Morgan Dowdy returns after missing last year due to injury, while the Buccaneers add 10 freshmen to the roster.

Updates on the contests and from all fall games can be found exclusively via the team’s Twitter account, @GamecockSoftbll.