SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The anticipation of the reigning Big South Champions opens with much excitement as the USC Upstate Softball hosts their Annual Spartan Classic presented by Founders Federal Credit Union beginning on Friday, February 7th through Sunday, February 9th on Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium.  

This Weekend's Matchups 

Feb. 7| Akron | 12:30 P.M.* 

Feb. 7| Bowling Green| 3:00 P.M.* 

Feb. 8| Bowling Green| 3:00 P.M. 

Feb. 8| Akron | 5:30 P.M. 

Feb. 9| Monmouth | 12:30 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 returns to the field after an historic 2024 season that saw the Spartans go 30-23 overall and 13-5 in conference play. The Spartans finished the season with Head Coach Chris Hawkins winning Coach of the Year, Two First Team All-Conference players, Two Second Team All-Conference members, Two Players on the Big South All-Freshman Team, Honorable Mention All-Conference, and All-Academic. Upstate finished the season as whole as the Regular Season champions and the Big South Tournament Champions. 

Players to Watch 

Upstate brings back key contributors from the Championship team that will help display the experience of Spartan Softball. Senior Outfielder, Denver Lauer was named to the Big South Preseason All-Conference team and comes to her Senior Season with a stacked resume that is to reckon with. Already a two-time Big South All Conference Player, Lauer looks to build on her Junior Season that highlighted a .327 batting average, 54 hits, and seven home runs. Joining Lauer in the outfield that returns with experience is Junior, Taliyah Thomas who also was named to the Big South Preseason All-Conference team. Head Coach, Chris Hawkins mentioned that he sees her making a leap and has improved throughout the fall to get to where she is now. Moving to the infield, Alanna Deal adds tremendous depth and experience to the Spartans, proving that no stage is too big for her to handle. The pitching staff of the Spartans return the Big South Preseason Pitcher of the Year, Sierra Maness who appeared in 30 games in the 2024 season going 13-11 with 124 strikeouts. Junior, Maddie Drerup returns to the circle with anticipation of adding depth and experience to the Spartans who will face many batters throughout the Spartan Classic. 

Akron: The Zips open the 2025 season at the Spartan Classic against Monmouth. Akron finished 23-29 overall with 11-14 conference record. The Zips return their Junior Outfielder, Meagan Lee who led with .438 batting average, started all 52 games, added 77 hits, one home run, 13 RBIS, and 15 stolen bases. 

Monmouth: The Hawks of Monmouth open their 2025 campaign at the Spartan Classic with a 10:00 A.M. matchup against Akron. Monmouth finished the 2024 season with an 18-33 record overall and 11-15 conference record. The Hawks return Junior Infielder, Savannah Simons who led Monmouth with a .309 batting average, 47 hits, 18 RBIs, one home run, and six stolen bases. 

Bowling Green: The Falcons of Bowling Green takes on USC Upstate live on ESPN+ to open their 2025 season at the Spartan Classic. Bowling Green finished the 2024 season with an 6-38 record and 3-23 conference record. The Falcons return Sophomore Shortstop, Cameron Kaufman who appeared in 40 games, added a .234 batting average, 25 hits, eight RBIs, and five stolen bases. 

Full Tournament Schedule 

(!) February 7| Akron vs. Monmouth| 10:00 A.M. (Neutral Site) 

February 7| Akron vs. Upstate | 12:30 P.M.| ESPN+ 

February 7| Bowling Green vs. Upstate| 3:00 P.M.| ESPN+ 

(!) February 7| Bowling Green vs. Monmouth| 5:30 P.M. (Neutral Site) 

(!) February 8| Akron vs. Monmouth| 10:00 A.M. (Neutral Site) 

(!) February 8| Bowling Green vs. Monmouth| 12:30 P.M. (Neutral Site) 

February 8| Bowling Green vs. Upstate | 3:00 P.M. 

February 8| Akron vs. Upstate| 5:30 P.M. 

(!) February 9| Bowling Green vs. Akron| 10:00 A.M. 

February 9| Monmouth vs. Upstate| 12:30 P.M.| ESPN+ 

(!) 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 continue their home cooking on the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium where USC Upstate hosts the Wings. ETC Classic February 14-16. Game times for the Spartans are scheduled for 1:30 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. on Friday, 1:30 & 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, and 12:30 P.M. on Sunday. 

Ingles I-26 Rivalry Food Drive: Support Miracle Hill Ministries in Spartanburg by donating to the Ingles I-26 Rivalry Series Food Drive through Wednesday, February 12.  All donations stay local and donors may scan the QR code on donation bins for a free ticket to an upcoming Upstate basketball game.  For donation locations and more information, click here.    

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