South Carolina’s 12th ranked softball team lost to No. 19 Virginia Tech, 8-5, on Saturday night during the Gamecock Invitational in Columbia. The loss brings South Carolina’s record to 1-2, while Virginia Tech remains undefeated at 5-0.
Tori Ensley and Tate Davis each recorded two hits for South Carolina. Freshman Kai Byars hit her first collegiate home run, driving in three runs for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina took an early lead with an RBI double from Davis after Quincee Lilio started the inning with a single. In the second inning, Lexi Winters doubled and Shae Anderson walked before Byars hit her home run to left center field.
Virginia Tech responded in the third inning by scoring five runs, including two home runs. The Hokies added two more runs in the fifth and another in the seventh inning.
South Carolina loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth but did not score. They managed one more run in the sixth when Ensley doubled to bring Davis home from first base.
Josey Marron was charged with the loss after allowing one earned run over just more than an inning of relief pitching. Julie Kelley made her season debut and retired the only batter she faced.
The Gamecocks will finish their participation in the Gamecock Invitational on Sunday with a doubleheader against Binghamton and Winthrop beginning at 12:30 p.m.
For updates on South Carolina Softball, fans can visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow @GamecockSoftbll on Twitter, /GamecockSoftball on Facebook, and @GamecockSoftball on Instagram.
