SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to Day Two of the Spartan Classic presented by Founders Federal Credit Union on Hawkins Field, Upstate Softball took the field for their second matchups with Bowling Green and the University of Akron. The Spartans came together for an electrifying win in run-rule fashion against Bowling Green followed by a tight matchup against Akron. 

In the first game against the Falcons, the action picked up in the third inning with Denver Lauer and Alanna Deal leading off with infield singles past the pitcher to get the party started. Sophia Kardatzke put the Falcons in more of a bind at bat showcasing her speed from a bunt to get on base. Abigail Pippen opened the scoring column with a two-run double to score Lauer and Deal home. As Bowling Green leaned on their pitching staff with a change, the Spartans continued adding to their runs with Sophia Kardatzke taking advantage of the wild pitch. The bottom of the third inning continued to be in the positives for Upstate with Abby Polk and Carson Shaw extending their lead to 5-0 with RBI singles. To cap off the inning, Amie Johnson's single up the middle displayed the speed of Kailey Canupp for their sixth run of the inning. To cap off the inning, Taliyah Thomas made the most of her moment with a two-run homer bouncing off the scoreboard. Through the five innings, Junior Pitcher, Maddie Drerup added three strikeouts with only allowing one hit for the shutout win.  

The Spartans entered their first game under the lights with their second matchup against the University of Akron. In the circle, Sophia Kardatzke retired the first batter and sat down the following two with multiple putouts. In the bottom of the first, Denver Lauer added an infield single past second base but the Spartans were unable to get the bats going. Akron took the lead from a fielding error by Upstate in the second inning while adding two hits. The Spartans were held scoreless with three more hits while giving up one run to fall to the Zips with a final score of 2-0.  

Notable 

• Today's win against Bowling Green gave Head Coach, Chris Hawkins his 1100th win as the Head Coach at USC Upstate which continues to put him in the conversation of one of the most winningest coaches in the NCAA. 

• Junior Pitcher, Maddie Drerup moved to 2-0 in the circle with her three strikeout shutout performance while only giving up one hit.  

• Senior Outfielder, Denver Lauer has added a multi-hit performance through three out of four games during the Spartan Classic. 

Sunday's Schedule 

10:00 A.M. | Bowling Green vs. Akron 

12:30 P.M. | Monmouth vs. USC Upstate 

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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