South Carolina’s softball team, ranked 19th nationally, defeated Marist 11-1 in a five-inning run-rule game Friday night during the Garnet & Black Invitational. The win brings South Carolina’s record to 12-5 for the season, while Marist falls to 5-10.
Nia McKnight led South Carolina’s offense by hitting a grand slam and a triple, finishing with two hits and a career-high five RBIs. According to team records, she is the first Gamecock since Victoria Williams in February 2017 to have both a triple and home run in one game. Tate Davis contributed two hits, while Tori Ensley drove in two runs and scored twice.
Pitcher KG Favors recorded her first complete game of the season, allowing one run on four hits and striking out four batters.
South Carolina scored early when Karley Shelton singled in the first inning before Ensley hit her fourth home run of the year. In the second inning, McKnight tripled down the right field line to bring in another run and later scored on Quincee Lilio’s sacrifice fly.
The third inning saw South Carolina score seven runs. Ensley started with an RBI single followed by Lexi Winters’ RBI double and Alyssa Hovermale’s RBI single. With bases loaded, McKnight hit her second home run of the season—a grand slam over left field.
Marist managed its only run on a leadoff home run in the fourth inning.
Defensively, South Carolina turned two double plays during the game, including one that ended it.
The Gamecocks will continue play Saturday with games against UAB and another matchup against Marist beginning at 12:30 p.m.
For more information about South Carolina Softball visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow their social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.
