Seventh Inning Rally Comes Up Just Short for Gamecocks

COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 9/9 South Carolina (20-4) softball team fell to Coastal Carolina (22-3) 5-3 Wednesday night (Mar. 12) at Carolina Softball Stadium.

Quincee Lilio led the way for the Gamecocks with two RBIs on the night. Arianna Rodi extended her on-base streak to 19 games and her hitting streak to 11 games.

The Chanticleers jumped out to an early lead with a pair of runs in the top of the first. They would add three more in the fifth.

South Carolina got on the board in the third. After a leadoff walk, Karley Shelton hit her team-leading 11th double of the season down the left field line, scoring Lilio from first.

The Gamecocks rallied in the seventh, starting with a leadoff single from Abigail Knight. One out later a CCU error and an infield single loaded the bases. Lilio singled up the middle, scoring two runs. Rodi was intentionally walked to load the bases with two outs, but a hard line drive by Ella Chancey was right at the shortstop for the final out.

Starting pitcher Sam Gress (3-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on two hits in an inning of work. Jori Heard came on to throw four innings, she struck out four while allowing three runs on five hits. Nealy Lamb closed out the game over the final two innings and struck out four of the six batters she faced.

The Gamecocks continue their homestand with their SEC home opener against No. 13 Georgia Friday at 6 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.