Vawter’s Extra Inning Homer Lifts No. 23 Gamecocks Past No. 24 Boston U

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 23 ranked South Carolina softball team (19-5) walked it off on Alana Vawter’s three-run home run against No. 24 Boston University (18-2) Thursday night (March 14) 3-0 in the opening game of the Garnet & Black Invitational. The victory was the second ranked win of the season for Carolina.

Sage Mardjetko spun a gem for the Gamecocks in the circle despite receiving the no-decision. She threw seven shutout innings, scattering three hits, striking out five, and not walking a batter. Vawter came on to pitch the eighth, earning the win (6-3), as she retired all three batters she faced. The three hits by Terriers are their fewest this season.

At the plate, Carlie Henderson led South Carolina with a pair of hits on the night.

The Gamecock offense showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks and four hit by pitches, their most free passes drawn in a game this season.

In the eighth, Carolina started the rally with one out when Denver Bryant drew a four-pitch walk. Henderson singled down the left field line on the first pitch she saw, brining Vawter to the plate. After running the count full, Vawter connected on her first hit as a Gamecock, a home run that stayed just inside the left field foul pole. It was the fourth round-tripper of her career.

The win was Carolina’s third extra inning victory of the season.

South Carolina returns to action Friday night against Michigan State at 5:30 p.m.

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.