No. 16 South Carolina softball remained undefeated over the weekend after winning both of its games on Saturday at the Carolina Classic in Columbia. The Gamecocks, now holding a 7-2 record, defeated Boston University 6-1 and Kennesaw State 12-0.
Karley Shelton led South Carolina’s offense, recording six hits in eight at-bats and driving in four runs across both games. Quincee Lilio contributed three hits and scored three times, while Shae Anderson and Nia McKnight each also crossed home plate three times.
In the first game against Boston University, the Terriers scored early with a run in the top of the first inning. South Carolina responded with three runs of its own in the bottom half, forcing Boston to use four pitchers during that frame. The Gamecocks added two more runs in the third inning through a single by Anderson and secured another run in the sixth on a bases loaded walk.
Pitcher Ansley Bennett earned her first win of the season after delivering two perfect innings in relief, striking out two batters. Jori Heard started for South Carolina and pitched three innings, allowing one run and striking out three.
Shelton and Lilio each finished with two hits against Boston University. Anderson drove in two runs to lead her team.
The second game saw South Carolina take control from start to finish against Kennesaw State. Shelton went four-for-four at the plate with four RBIs, while Arianna Rodi added two hits. The Gamecocks managed to score at least once during every inning they batted.
South Carolina’s pitching staff combined for a shutout performance as Julie Kelley started with three scoreless innings, followed by Nealy Lamb who retired all batters faced over one-and-a-half innings with two strikeouts. KG Favors closed out the game by retiring all outs required without allowing any runs.
The Gamecocks are set to travel next to participate in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic from February 19-21 where they will face five opponents, including four teams ranked among the Top-25 nationally.
Fans can follow updates on South Carolina Softball through their official website or social media channels: Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.
