SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The USC Upstate softball program earned its second win of the season after downing the Bulldogs of South Carolina State 7-1 on Sunday afternoon to wrap up the annual Spartan Classic at Cyrill Stadium.
After a six-inning 8-0 shutout win over Towson on Saturday night, the Spartans finished the weekend with a strong performance against S.C. State. Maddie Drerup made her second start of the season and had five strikeouts in 4.0 innings pitched. Alyssa Kelly relieved Drerup for her second appearance of the season in the circle and had five strikeouts in 3.0 innings pitched with no runs surrendered.
Upstate started strong with four runs in the second inning. Carson Shaw got things going for Upstate's offense as her double to left field scored Kailey Canupp and Celeste Delorenzo. Pinch runner, Katie Henri scored her run of the weekend thanks to second baseman Abby Polk. The final run of the second inning came from Denver Lauer as the center fielder scored off a Bulldog error. Upstate scored the final three runs of the game in the sixth inning for a seven run finish. Lauer's single to right field advanced left fielder Amie Johnson to third while also sending home Carson Bradsher. Both Lauer and Johnson came home shortly after as Alanna Deal hit a single to right center.
Top Performers This Weekend:
Taliyah Thomas:
2 runs \\ 5 hits \\ 4 RBI \\ 9 TB \\ 1 Double \\ 1 Home Run \\ 1 Stolen Base \\ .455 AVG
Denver Lauer:
2 runs \\ 4 hits \\ 3 RBI \\ 4 TB \\ 6 Stolen Bases \\ .462 AVG
Cassie Norris:
1 run \\ 3 hits \\ 2 RBI \\ 7 TB \\ 1 Stolen base \\ 1 Double \\ 1 Home Run \\ .417 AVG
Alanna Deal:
2 runs \\ 2 hits \\ 1 Double \\ 2 RBI \\ 3 TB \\ 2 Stolen Bases \\ .385 AVG
UP NEXT FOR THE SPARTANS
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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