Upstate Softball celebrating a run at home plate
Natalia Moll
0
Monmouth MONMOUTH 0-5
8
Winner USC Upstate UPST 4-1
Monmouth MONMOUTH
0-5
0
Final
8
USC Upstate UPST
4-1
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Monmouth MONMOUTH 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 3
USC Upstate UPST 0 0 3 2 3 8 9 0

W: Maness, Sierra (1-0) L: Lewis, Olivia (0-1) S: Drerup, Maddie (1)

Game Recap: Softball |

Upstate Softball ends the Spartan Classic on a high note against Monmouth

Spartanburg, S.C. - Returning to the field for Day three of the Spartan Classic presented by Founders Federal Credit Union, USC Upstate took on Monmouth University with the Spartans winning over the Hawks in run rule fashion 8-0 through five innings. 

Monmouth opened the top of the first inning with an infield single and a bunt looking to put the Spartans at an early disadvantage. Sophomore pitcher, Sierra Maness retired a batter with a strikeout and Carson Shaw ended the inning with an unassisted groundout to keep the Hawks scoreless. USC Upstate added one hit through the first two innings but the party for the Spartans began in the third inning. With Abby Polk being hit by a pitch, Amie Johnson followed with a sacrifice bunt to move Polk closer into scoring position. Georgia Preddy's RBI single to left field was enough to send Polk sprinting home for the first run. Taliyah Thomas made her way on base with an infield hit past third base to continue the inning. With Preddy and Thomas on base, both runners prepared to steal second and third but a throwing error by the catcher scored both Thomas and Preddy at the plate for a 3-0 lead. The momentum continued to rise at bat as USC Upstate took advantage of having Sophia Kardatzke and Abigail Pippen reaching on two hits. A throwing error from second base, showcased Sophia Kardatzke's speed to sprint home for the fourth run. Upstate did not leave inning without another scoring opportunity as Abby Polk connected on the first pitch thrown for an RBI single up the middle to end the inning leading 5-0. The consistency at bat continued in the bottom of the fifth with Denver Lauer adding an infield single and Alanna Deal blasting a double past the shortstop. Sophia Kardatzke's hit up through the middle helped Lauer sprint home for the sixth run. The final two runs wrapped the game in run rule fashion as Abigail Pippen's sacrifice fly to center field and Abby Polk's single up the middle scored the final two runs winning 8-0. In the circle, Sierra Maness made the start pitching three innings with one strikeout while allowing no runs earning the win. Junior Pitcher, Maddie Drerup finished the final two innings with one strikeout earning the save. 

Weekend Highlights 

  • Redshirt Junior, Abigail Pippen led the way with .545 batting average, 1.182 slugging percentage, six hits, one double, four runs, two home runs and six RBIs. 

  • Senior, Denver Lauer followed with a .533 batting average, four runs, eight hits, one double, one home run, three RBIs, and a .800 slugging percentage. 

  • Freshman, Sophia Kardatzke opened her collegiate career at Upstate with a .429 batting average, five runs, six hits, two doubles, three RBIs, a 2.69 ERA in the circle, 13.0 innings pitched, 13 strikeouts, and one win as a starting pitcher.  

  • Head Coach, Chris Hawkins surpassed 1100 wins against Bowling Green Saturday, February 8, 2025. 
  • As a team, Upstate Softball combined for 43 hits, seven doubles, six home runs, 18 stolen bases, and .450 batting average.
  • In the circle, Maddie Drerup led with a 1.40 ERA earning two wins and a save. Overall, Upstate's pitching staff between Maddie Drerup, Sierra Maness, and Sophia Kardatzke struck out 25 batters.

Up Next 

Upstate Softball turns their attention to the Wings Etc. Classic presented by Founders Federal Credit Union beginning on Friday, February 14 and wrapping on Sunday, February 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.       

Connect with the Spartans       
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics       
Twitter | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans       
Instagram | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans       
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