CLINTON, S.C. - Returning to the PC Softball Complex in Clinton, South Carolina, USC Upstate Softball returned to the field for game three of the weekend series against Presbyterian College where the Blue Hose pulled away with a 2-1 win.
Upstate opened the top of the first inning with Denver Lauer adding the first hit with a single to left center and followed with stealing second. Sophia Kardatzke followed with opening the scoring column with her RBI single to left center displaying the speed of Lauer for the first run. Presbyterian entered the bottom of the inning with three consecutive hits with two of those resulting in scoring plays to take a 2-1 lead. The following two innings displayed a pitching duel between Sierra Maness and Peyton Duncan with both pitchers retiring batters with strikeouts along with help from the defense. Carson Shaw looked to get the Spartans going with an infield single in the fourth inning but the Blue Hose were able to keep Upstate from rallying. Abby Polk opened the fifth inning with an infield single to third base but Presbyterian followed with a double play and an infield putout ending the inning. The anticipation continued with the Spartans going to the seventh inning with one last shot at redemption with Abby Polk and Alanna Deal being hit by pitch to get two runners on base. The final out came from the circle with one last strikeout to overcome USC Upstate and take the series win.
Notable
- Sierra Maness struck out 13 batters through two appearances as the starter in the circle for Upstate moving to 70 strikeouts on the year.
- Through 30 games, Upstate Softball has only been held to two runs or less through two games on the season.
- Denver Lauer continues her on base streak with which sits at 30.
Up Next for the Spartans
Upstate Softball will have a quick turnaround continuing road play with a quick trip to Johnson City, Tennessee for a Tuesday afternoon non-conference doubleheader against East Tennessee State with game one beginning at 2:00 P.M. and game two to follow at 4:00 P.M.
SAVE THE DATE FOR SPARTY'S BALL – MAY 17th – Support USC Upstate Athletics at Sparty's Ball, the largest fundraising event of the year for the Upstate Athletic Fund (UAF), to be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Milliken Club at Fifth Third Park. For tickets, sponsorship and auction information, click here!
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