SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Following the Spartans second Big South series of the season, the USC Upstate softball program returns home to Cyrill Stadium to host the Paladins of Furman University in a mid-week double-header.
This Week's Matchup
March 27, 2024 | 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.
USC Upstate (14-14; 4-2 Big South) vs. Furman (16-14; 3-0 SoCon)
Cyrill Stadium | Spartanburg, S.C.
How They Stack Up
Records: USC Upstate (14-14; 4-2 Big South) vs. Furman (16-14; 3-0 SoCon)
Series: Upstate leads the overall series 22-3
Last Meeting: Mar. 29, 2023 (UPST 3; FUR 4); Mar. 29, 2023 (UPST 8; FUR 2); Mar. 22, 2022 (UPST 5; FUR 3); Mar. 22, 2022 (UPST 1; FUR 0); Apr. 7, 2021 (UPST 2; FUR 5)
Players to Watch
USC Upstate: The Spartans most recently downed the Bucs of Charleston Southern in back-to-back games to walk away with the series. Abby Polk had an exceptional performance in game three with two hits, two runs, and two RBI for her fifth multi-hit game of the season, her fourth multi-RBI game and her seventh multi-run game of the season. Denver Lauer leads the Spartans on offense with 18 runs, 27 hits, two doubles, four homeruns, 22 RBI, 41 stolen bases, and 18 stolen bases. Lauer sits with a .310 batting average, .471 slugging percentage, and .396 on base percentage. Sierra Maness and Maddie Drerup have traded off starting in the circle for the Spartans with Maness starting 15 games and Drerup starting 10. Maness leads the pitching staff with a 2.46 ERA while Drerup is just behind her with a 3.33 ERA.
Furman: The Paladins most recently swept the Catamounts of Western Carolina for their first conference wins of the season. Ashley Lykins leads Furman's offense with 20 runs, 41 hits, three triples, six RBI, 47 total bases, and 11 stolen bases. Lykins sits with a .383 batting average, .439 slugging percentage, and .421 on base percentage. Sierra Tufts has been Furman's primary pitcher so far this season and holds a 3.32 batting average after 39 strikeouts and 34 earned runs surrendered across 71.2 total innings pitched.
Up Next for the Spartans
The Spartans will take a break and be back at Cyrill Stadium April 5-6 to host the Lancers of Longwood University.
Tickets on Sale for Sparty's Ball – Saturday, May 18
Support USC Upstate Athletics at Sparty's Ball, the largest fundraiser of the year for the Upstate Athletic Fund. The UAF impacts current and future generations of Spartans, developing champions on the field, building scholars in the classroom, and preparing leaders for life. Presented by the Sports Medicine Institute, a division of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Sparty's Ball features live and silent auction items, delicious food from Cribbs Catering, beverages, and live entertainment from Under the Sun, and held at a new location, Indigo Hall in downtown Spartanburg. Come dressed in your Spartan best—cocktail attire is required. For details and tickets, log onto www.upstatespartans.com/spartysball.
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans
Instagram | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans
YouTube.com/UpstateSpartans
