THIS WEEKENDS MATCH UPS
Feb. 9 | Toledo | 3:00 p.m. *
Feb. 9 | Loyola University of Chicago | 5:30 p.m. *
Feb. 10 | Towson | 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 | Toledo | 12:30 p.m. *
Feb. 11 | S.C. State | 3:00 p.m. *
TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App (televised games noted with an *)
Location: All games are set to take place on Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium.
Overview:
USC Upstate is coming off an impressive 2023 season that saw the Spartans go 38-17 overall and 13-8 in conference. The Spartans collected three First Team All-Conference honors, three Second Team All- Conference honors, one All- Freshman honor, one Honorable Mention, and one All-Academic honor. Upstate was able to finish third in the Big South and compete in the Big South Softball Tournament for the fifth consecutive season.
Players to Watch:
USC Upstate: Upstate is excited to bring back several key pieces including Celeste Delorenzo on third, Alanna Deal shifting into the short stop position, Cassie Norris and Carson Shaw alternating on first, and the Big South Preseason Player of the Year Denver Lauer occupying center field. The Spartans' pitching staff also returns senior Alyssa Kelly and the Big South Preseason Pitcher of the Year, sophomore Maddie Drerup. Lauer led Upstate's offense last season with 43 runs, 58 hits, six home runs, 41 RBI, and 90 total bases alongside a record breaking 47 stolen bases.
Loyola University of Chicago: The Ramblers will start the 2024 season at the Spartan Classic against Towson. Loyola finished the 2023 season 27-23 overall with an 18-6 conference record. The Ramblers return Sydney Barnett who helped lead the team last season with 18 runs, 39 hits, two home runs, 28 RBI, and 57 total bases.
Towson: The Tigers of Towson will start the 2024 season at the Spartan Classic against Loyola. Towson finished the 2023 season 30-25 overall with a 14-10 conference record. The Tigers return senior Mackenzie Lake who led the team last season with 43 runs, 69 hits, six home runs, 38 RBI, and 106 total bases.
Toledo: The Rockets of Toledo will start the 2024 season at the Spartan Classic against Towson. Toledo finished the 2023 season 21-25 overall with a 14-14 conference record. The Rockets return senior Jenna Kroll who led the team last season with 19 runs, 46 hits, eight home runs, 29 RBI, and 75 total bases.
S.C. State: The Bulldogs of South Carolina State will start the 2024 season at the Spartan Classic against Loyola. S.C. State finished the 2023 season 7-28 overall with a 6-11 conference record. The Bulldogs return Destiny Calloway who helped lead the team with nine runs, 26 hits, five home runs, 17 RBI, and 42 total bases.
Full Tournament Schedule:
(!) February 9 | Loyola vs. Towson | 10:00 a.m. (Neutral Site Game)
(!) February 9 | Toledo vs. Towson | 12:30 p.m. (Neutral Site Game)
February 9 | Upstate vs. Toledo | 3:00 p.m. | ESPN+
February 9 | Upstate vs. Loyola | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN+
(!) February 10 | Toldeo vs. Loyola | 10:00 a.m. | (Neutral Site Game)
(!) February 10 | Loyola vs. S.C. State | 12:20 p.m. | (Neutral Site Game)
(!) February 10 | Towson vs. S.C. State | 3:00 p.m. | (Neutral Site Game)
(!) February 10 | Upstate vs. Towson | 5:30 p.m.
(!) February 11 | Towson vs. S.C. State | 10:00 a.m. | (Neutral Site Game)
February 11 | Upstate vs. Toldeo | 12:30 p.m. | ESPN+
February 11 | Upstate vs. S.C. State | 3:00 p.m. | ESPN+
(!) Live stats Only
*Note all games are subject to change due to inclement weather
LiveStats will be available for all games and a recap following the day's action can be found at upstatespartans.com.
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.
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans
Instagram | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans
