No. 13 Softball Earns Series Sweep Over Kentucky

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 13/12 South Carolina Softball team (35-11, 10-8) completed the series sweep against Kentucky (27-20, 6-12) with a 7-0 win Monday night (Apr. 21). The SEC sweep is the first for first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard.

Carolina’s defense set the tone once again, led by Sam Gress in the circle. Gress (10-7) pitched her first shutout of the season, allowing four hits while recording three strikeouts.

South Carolina got on the board in the second inning when Ella Chancey drew a walk, followed by a Lexi Winters single. Chancey advanced to third base on a throwing error and then came home on Abigail Knight’s groundout.

The Gamecock defense continued to hold strong, turning its SEC-leading 27th double play after Gress allowed just her second hit in the fourth inning.

The Carolina offense exploded in the bottom of the sixth inning, starting with Karley Shelton’s leadoff single. One out later, Chancey sent Shelton home on a triple down the right field line. After a walk to Lexi Winters put runners on the corners, Brooke Blankenship landed a clean bunt to bring Chancey home and make the lead 3-0.

Knight earned her second single of the night to score Winters. With two on and an 0-1 count, Emily Vinson connected on her first home run as a Gamecock to close out the scoring in the inning.

Chancey led Carolina with two hits and two runs. Knight recorded two hits, a run, and two RBIs. Vinson led the way with three RBIs on the night.

Ariana Rodi’s on-base streak came to an end at 37 games. It was the second longest streak in recorded program history.

The Gamecocks are back home April 23 at 6 p.m. to take on Winthrop.

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.