SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to the field for the third consecutive weekend, Upstate Softball looks to host the Upstate Classic on Hawkins Field at the Cyrill Stadium welcoming four teams with Eastern Kentucky, South Carolina State, Colgate, and North Carolina A&T beginning on Friday, February 21 and wrapping up on Sunday, February 23rd.
This Weekend's Matchups
Feb. 21| Eastern Kentucky| 1:30 P.M.*
Feb. 21| SC State| 4:00 P.M.*
Feb. 22| NC A&T| 1:30 P.M.
Feb. 22| Colgate| 4:00 P.M.
Feb. 23| NC A&T| 11:00 A.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
After going undefeated at the Wings Etc. Classic, the Spartans look to co-host the Upstate Classic with welcoming opponents, Eastern Kentucky and South Carolina State on Day one and North Carolina A&T along with Colgate on day two and three. Eastern Kentucky comes into the tournament with a 6-2 record winning their last game on Saturday, February 15 with a final score of 3-0 against Campbell. South Carolina enters with a 4-3 record winning their last matchup 10-2 against SWAC Opponent, Alcorn State University. North Carolina A&T enters the Hawkins Field with a 2-3 record winning their last game in six innings with a final score of 14-6 against North Carolina Central University. The final opponent making their appearance in the Upstate Classic is Colgate where they sit at an 0-5 record with their last game being on Sunday, February 9th against Wichita State.
Players to Watch
USC Upstate: Junior Outfielder, Amie Johnson currently leads with .545 batting average adding two multi-hit games during the Wings Etc. Classic. Not only did Amie Johnson have multi-hit games, Johnson went 3-for-3 in two games against Canisius including two of the three hits being a double. At bat, Johnson has surpassed her 2024 stats with 12 RBIS through nine games compared to her nine in the previous season. Johnson also added one double last season while currently having two in this campaign. The left-handed hitter has caused trouble for many pitchers in the circle through the last two weekends and looks to continue her consistent play of doing whatever it takes to help the team win each game.
SC State: Sophomore Infielder, Mikayla Chisolm comes into the Upstate Classic with high hopes of continuing her hitting streak at bat. Chisolm went 2-for-3 in the win over Alabama A&M with a .273 batting average and one run. The Bulldogs will lean on Chisolm who has three hits on the season in aiding the Bulldogs to potentially sweeping the day and ending their streak against USC Upstate. South Carolina State plans to leave the Upstate area with four wins in between two games against Eastern Kentucky, one game against Upstate, and one game at Wofford.
Eastern Kentucky: Sophomore Outfielder, Reese Knox has had three multi-hit games on the season with her most recent game against Campbell being a 2-for-4 day at bat. Knox leads the Colonels with a .409 batting average, nine hits while adding three RBIs. Knox also leads with three stolen bases which could cause opposing teams issues when she is on base. Eastern Kentucky looks to open Day one of the invite with statements against SC State and USC Upstate before traveling to the back half of the tournament at Wofford College.
North Carolina A&T: Freshman Infielder, Ayanna Mears has gotten off to a quick start in her collegiate career with two games going 3-for-4 at bat. Mears leads the team with a .571 batting average, two home runs, five RBIs, 1.1071 slugging percentage, eight hits, and six runs. Mears will see a lot of action facing off against multiple pitchers with hopes of moving the needle to push North Carolina A&T over .500. Defensively, Mears leads with 19 putouts with zero errors. Each team in the classic will have to find a way to contain Ayanna Mears or else she could continue rising her stock as a Freshman.
Colgate: Junior Pitcher/Utility Player, Alexa Acker had her season high going 3-for-4 at bat against Northern Illinois. Acker displays a swiss army knife style of play with making appearances at bat while also making three appearances in the circle. Acker leads with a .417 batting average, five hits, one double, one home runs, and four RBIs. In the circle, acker leads with a 4.20 ERA while being second in strikeouts with five. Colgate will take on North Carolina A&T and USC Upstate on Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium for day two action with hopes of adding their first win through the tournament.
Full Tournament Schedule
(!) February 21| Eastern Kentucky vs. South Carolina State| 11:00 A.M. (Neutral Site)
February 21| Eastern Kentucky vs. USC Upstate| 1:30 P.M. | ESPN+
February 21| South Carolina State vs. USC Upstate| 4:00 P.M.| ESPN+
(!) February 22| NC A&T vs. Colgate| 11:00 A.M.| (Neutral Site)
(!) February 22| NC A&T vs. USC Upstate| 1:30 P.M.
(!) February 22| Colgate vs. USC Upstate| 4:00 P.M.
(!) February 23| NC A&T vs. USC Upstate| 11:00 A.M.
(!) Live stats Only
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
Following the Upstate Classic, the Spartans will travel to Greenville, South Carolina for an in-state midweek doubleheader at Furman University on Wednesday, February 26th with Game one scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. first pitch and Game two to follow at 6:00 p.m.
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans
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