Gamecocks Defeat Delaware, Win Fifth In-A-Row

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball team won its fifth consecutive game Friday afternoon (Feb. 17), defeating Delaware 4-1, and improving its record to 5-1 on the season. 

Jen Cummings led Carolina on the day with two hits, both of them being doubles. She was also hit by a pitch for the seventh time this season, as she currently leads the nation in hit by pitches per game. The Gamecocks collectively stole six bases, the most since stealing seven against Winthrop on April 7, 2022. 

Cummings ignited the offense early for the Gamecocks with a double in the bottom of the first to score Aaliyah White. The Blue Hens scored their only run in the second off an RBI groundout. 

Carolina responded with three runs in the bottom of the second. After a Jordan Fabian walk, Marissa Gonzalez doubled her home with a shot down the left field line. Guilia Desiderio reached on a bunt which brought Gonzalez home. Brooke Blankenship capped off the scoring with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Desiderio. 

A three-run cushion was more than enough for the Gamecock pithing staff. Leah Powell made her second start of the season and finished her night throwing 2 1-3 innings, allowing one run on three hits. Karsen Ochs picked up her first win in relief, striking out two over 1 2-3 innings. Donnie Gobourne picked up her first save as a Gamecock, throwing the final three innings and striking out five Delaware hitters.  

Carolina returns to action tomorrow (Feb. 18) at 3 p.m. to face alumnae Chrissy Schoonmaker and her George Washington Colonials. 

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.