Softball Falls to No. 6 Florida in Series Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball team (23-18, 3-10) fell in the opening game of its SEC series Friday night (Apr. 10) 5-0 to No. 6 Florida (38-5, 12-4).

Jori Heard (6-6) started for Carolina and suffered the loss despite allowing only one unearned run on four hits and striking out six in 5 2-3 innings.

The Gators took the lead early on with an unearned run in the top of the second. They added two in the sixth and two more in the seventh on a two-run home run.

The South Carolina offense was held without a hit on the night but managed to get the leadoff batter on in four of the seven innings. Its best chance for a run came in the seventh when Arianna Rodi led off the inning with a walk. Jamie Mackay sent one all the way to the wall before being caught by the Florida left fielder. Lexi Winters drew another walk before the final out was recorded.

Game two of the series is Saturday at 3 p.m. and will be the SEC’s annual All for Alex teal game.

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.