No. 22 Gamecocks Drop Series Opener to No. 16 Bulldogs

COLUMBIA, S.C. –  The 22nd ranked South Carolina softball team (27-11, 3-7) dropped its series opener Friday night (April 5) to No. 16 Mississippi State (27-9, 7-6) 6-0.

The Gamecocks were limited to three singles on the night by Riley Blampied, Denver Bryant, and Zoe Laneaux.

The Bulldogs first two runs both came with two outs, a solo home run in the first and an RBI single in the second. MSU would add two in the fifth on a single and two more in the sixth on a pair of singles.

Carolina’s best chance came in the bottom of the first when Bryant singled with two outs and advanced to second on a passed ball.

Alana Vawter (11-6) took the loss, allowing four runs in 4 1-3 innings and striking out three. Jori Heard came on for 1 2-3, surrendering two runs and striking out four. Reganne Bennett pitched the final inning and didn’t allow a hit.

Game two of the series is tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

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.