SPARTANBURG, S.C. – After a brief week off, the USC Upstate softball program is back at Cyrill Stadium to host the Longwood Lancers in its third Big South series of the season on Friday and Saturday.
This Week's Matchup
April 5, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
April 6, 2024 | 4:00 p.m.
USC Upstate (15-15; 4-2 Big South) vs. Longwood (11-21; 4-2 Big South)
Cyrill Stadium | Spartanburg, S.C.
TV: All of Upstate's games this weekend will be available for streaming. Friday's games can be streamed via ESPN+; Saturday's game can be streamed via ESPNU.
Live Stats: Live stats can be accessed here.
How They Stack Up
Records: USC Upstate (15-15; 4-2 Big South) vs. Longwood (11-21; 4-2 Big South)
Series: Upstate trails the overall series 12-5
Last Meetings: May 12, 2023 (UPST 4; LWU 5); Apr. 1, 2023 (UPST 3; LWU 4); Apr. 1, 2023 (UPST 6; LWU 9); Mar. 31, 2023 (UPST 8; LWU 2)
Players to Watch
USC Upstate: Freshman Abby Polk was named the Big South Freshman of the Week after a strong performance Monday that finished helped the Spartans take the Big South series against the Buccaneers and back-to-back showings against the Furman Paladins. The Spartans are led on offense by Denver Lauer with 20 runs, 30 hits, three doubles, four homeruns, 23 RBI, 45 total bases, and 21 stolen bases along with a .316 batting average, .474 slugging percentage, and .394 on base percentage. Sierra Maness and Maddie Dreup have split time starting in the circle for the Spartans. Maness leads the pitching staff with a 2.43 ERA, eight wins, 98.0 innings pitched, and 83 strikeouts.
Longwood: The Lancers most recently fell to No. 25 Charlotte 7-1 at home. Pinch runner Peyton Coleman scored the lone run for the Lancers in the bottom of the fourth off a fielding error from the 49ers' shortstop. Lauren Fox leads Longwood's offense with 17 runs, 34 hits, two triples, three RBI, 38 total bases, and two stolen bases along with a .347 batting average, .388 slugging percentage, and a .390 on base percentage. Maggie Chapman leads Longwood's pitching staff with a 3.97 ERA, 11 wins, 118.0 innings pitched, and 89 strikeouts.
Up Next for the Spartans
Following the Longwood series, Upstate will spend the week on the road starting with a quick trip to Cullowhee to take on the Catamounts of Western Carolina in a double-header on Tuesday before going to Clinton for a Big South series against Presbyterian.
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
