Feb. 19, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina will close out the home portion of its schedule on Saturday, as the ninth-ranked Gamecocks host No. 3 Texas A&M at One Wood Farm in Blythewood. Saturday’s meet will begin at 10 a.m. and admission is free. Before the start of Saturday’s meet, the Gamecocks will recognize their seven-member senior class in the program’s traditional Senior Day ceremony.

“Our senior day meet is always very emotional for the girls, for us coaches, for their families, and we’re looking forward to getting to celebrate a group that has won three championship rings in three seasons,” South Carolina head coach Boo Major said. “But we have a Texas A&M team coming in that’s certainly shown that they are capable of winning the SEC and the national championship this season. If we can eliminate the mental errors that cost us two weeks ago against Georgia, then I think we have a great opportunity to compete at the level that I know we can.”

SCOUTING SOUTH CAROLINA
– The Gamecocks are currently 3-6 overall and 0-4 in SEC play.
– South Carolina is currently ninth in the latest NCEA rankings.
– Saturday’s meet is the Gamecocks’ third home meet in a row this semester.
– With a win on Saturday, the Gamecocks would be above .500 in home meets.

SCOUTING TEXAS A&M
– The Aggies are 7-2 overall and and 2-2 in SEC play.
– Texas A&M is currently ranked third in the latest NCEA rankings.
– The Aggies have a three-meet winning streak over the Gamecocks.
– Texas A&M has won seven of of its last eight competitions this season.

SENIOR DAY
Prior to the start of Saturday’s meet, the Gamecocks will recognize their seven-member senior class in a Senior Day ceremony.

This year’s senior class has been a part of three championship teams in three seasons. As freshmen in 2013, they were on the team that won the inaugural SEC Championship. As sophomores in 2014, they were on the first ever University of South Carolina team (in any sport) to win back-to-back SEC Championships. Last season as juniors, they won the 2015 NCEA National Championship, the third national title in program history.

Sarah Bouchard, Haiden De Jane, Erin Fry, Samantha Kraus, Abigail Pait, Samantha Smith, and Kelsey Urban will all be recognized during tomorrow’s Senior Day ceremony.

NCEA RANKINGS – February 16, 2016
1. Auburn (7-1)
2. Georgia (7-2)
3. Texas A&M (7-2)
4. Baylor (8-3)
5. Oklahoma State (5-2)
6. TCU (4-5)
7. SMU (5-5)
8. Fresno State (3-5)
9. South Carolina (3-6)
10. Kansas State (3-4)

UP NEXT
The Gamecocks return to action on Saturday, Feb. 27 when South Carolina travels to face No. 1 Auburn at the Auburn University Horse Center.