South Carolina’s softball team, ranked 13th nationally, ended the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic with a split on Saturday. The Gamecocks lost their first game of the day to No. 9 UCLA by a score of 5-4 but rebounded to defeat Saint Mary’s 4-2.
In the opening matchup against UCLA, both teams were held scoreless through five innings before South Carolina broke through in the sixth. Pinch hitter Alyssa Hovermale reached base with an infield single, and after an error put two runners on, Karley Shelton singled to center to bring home Kai Byars. Arianna Rodi then hit her fifth home run of the season, giving South Carolina four runs in the inning.
UCLA responded in their final at-bat with a leadoff home run and continued their rally with a bases-loaded walk and RBI single before ending the game with a two-run single. Nealy Lamb took the loss for South Carolina after pitching nearly two innings in relief. Jori Heard started for the Gamecocks and allowed four hits over five innings.
In their second game against Saint Mary’s, South Carolina gave up a two-run homer in the first inning but limited further damage by allowing just one more hit over six innings. Tate Davis sparked the offense with her first home run of the season in the sixth inning.
Shae Anderson led off the seventh inning with her first career home run. After consecutive walks and an infield single by Quincee Lilio loaded the bases, Karley Shelton drove in two runs with a single through the left side. Emma Friedel earned her fourth win of the season by pitching more than five innings of relief, striking out nine batters while allowing only one hit.
The Gamecocks will return home to play Charlotte on February 24 at 6 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.
