Box Score TUSCALOOSA, ALA. – USC Upstate softball fell 1-0 to No. 14 ranked Alabama in the first game of its regional run, after holding the Crimson Tide scoreless through five innings.
Head coach Chris Hawkins was pleased with the team's performance saying, "I'm really proud of the composure we showed and how the team competed. It shows we are seasoned and up for the challenge. We have to come out tomorrow and hit!"
Upstate entered the contest against No. 14 Alabama as the underdog and used that to its advantage going into its first NCAA Regional since 2017. Sierra Maness made her 25th start in the circle this season and her first ever NCAA Regional appearance. Maness and the Spartans defense held the No. 14 ranked Crimson Tide offense scoreless through five innings. Freshman second baseman, Abby Polk, had an impressive day, helping Upstate pull off double plays in both the first and fourth inning. Alabama was able to one run on the board in the bottom of the sixth and it was that lone run that would cause Upstate to fall. Seniors Celeste Delorenzo and Cassie Norris recorded Upstate's two runs of the game in the top of the seventh in an attempt to give the Spartans a chance at the comeback win. Maness threw 75 pitches in her 19th complete game of the season.
Game Information
Score: USC Upstate 0; No. 14 Alabama 1
Records: USC Upstate (30-22; 13-5 Big South) vs. No. 14 Alabama (34-17; 10-14 SEC)
Location: Rhoads Stadium | Tuscaloosa, Ala.
How It Happened
Notable
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Abby Polk has now had a hand in 14 double plays this season.
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Last time Upstate played Alabama, the Spartans fell 7-1.
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Celeste Delorenzo extended her reached base streak to seven games which currently leads the team.
Up Next for the Spartans
Upstate will fight to stay alive in the NCAA Regionals as they now face Clemson, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Rhoads Stadium. The winner between Upstate and Clemson will advance to the final game of the day against the loser between Southeastern Louisianna and Alabama at 3:30 p.m. For more information about NCAA Regionals, click here.
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