SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The USC Upstate softball program earned its first win of the 2024 season during day two of the Spartan Classic with an 8-0 shutout win over Towson on Saturday night.

Sierra Maness made her second career start in the circle while Lex DiFato made her career debut in left field. Sophomore Taliyah Thomas got the night started with her first career home run in the second inning. Thomas helped Upstate continue to dominate the Tigers with a double in the fourth that scored short stop Alanna Deal her second run of the season and pinch runner Carson Bradsher the first run of her career. During the fifth inning, Upstate opened the flood gates and stacked four runs courtesy of center fielder Denver Lauer, second baseman Abby Polk, and pinch runners Katie Henri and Kailey Canupp. Polk solidified the the sixth inning win for the Spartans as she reached home off a Towson wild pitch. 

Maness had yet an impressive showing after the 11 strikeouts she threw on Friday. The freshmen had five strikeouts in her 6.0 innings pitched, walked no batters, and surrendered only two hits while allowing no runs for the first shutout win of the season. 

The Spartan Classic is anticipated to finish with one final game on Sunday afternoon against S.C. State, weather permitting. Check back in to Upstatespartans.com for more updates. 

UP NEXT FOR THE SPARTANS    

After the annual Spartan Classic, Upstate will take the short drive to Rock Hill, S.C. to participate in the Winthrop Eagle Classic hosted by Big South competitor Winthrop University Feb 16-17. Games are set for 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Friday and 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.   
 
Donate to the I-26 Rivalry Canned Food Drive supporting Miracle Hill Ministries   
Support USC Upstate Athletics and Miracle Hill Ministries by donating canned and non-perishable food items for the Ingles I-26 Rivalry Canned Food Drive through February 10.  A competition between USC Upstate and UNC Asheville, the school collecting the most donations will win 3 bonus points in the yearlong rivalry series.  For rivalry series details and donation drop off locations, click here.  Make your donations of 3 or more canned or non-perishable food items at the home basketball games on Feb. 7 and 10 and be entered to win USC Upstate gear, gift cards and other prizes! Stop by the Ingles Marketing Tent in the lobby of the Hodge Center for more details.   
    
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