JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Opening the new week with business to tend to in Johnson City, Tennessee, USC Upstate Softball traveled to East Tennessee for an afternoon doubleheader with the business trip ending in a sweep over the Buccaneers. 

Game One (9-1, Win) 

Opening the top of the first, Taliyah Thomas found herself in scoring position with a walk and a stolen base putting immediate pressure on East Tennessee. An outfield error in center field saw Thomas sprint her way home for the first run ending the top of the inning with a 1-0 lead. The Buccaneers looked to respond the early adversity but Sierra Maness did not allow a hit with adding one strikeout and the defense backing her with two consecutive groundouts. The energy picked up with Alanna Deal leading off with a solo homerun to left field moving their lead to 2-0. The intensity continued with Amie Johnson getting on base with a double to left center to get into scoring territory. Taliyah Thomas followed with a double to left center to easily drive their third run ending the inning with a 2-0 lead. The Spartans followed their recipe of putting East Tennessee in adversity with Carson Shaw leading off the top of the third with a single to right center. With a runner on base, Abby Polk singled through the right side with Kailey Canupp showcasing her speed to slide into home plate for their fourth run. The lefty action continued with Amie Johnson's RBI single down the left field line stretching their lead to 5-0. East Tennessee continued to be neutralized with the disciplined defense of Upstate to allow one hit in the bottom of the inning. Denver Lauer opened the top of the fourth inning with a double to left center continuing their fierce attack at bat. Two consecutive scoring plays followed with Sophia Kardatzke's double down the left field line and Carson Shaw's RBI single totaling with two runs for a 7-0 lead. Amie Johnson increased the lead to eight reaching first from a fielder's choice with Abby Polk finding her way home but East Tennessee avoided the shutout with an RBI single up the middle bringing it 8-1. Upstate did not allow the Buccaneers to make a late comeback as an RBI single to center field from Taliyah Thomas ended game one with a final score of 9-1. 

Game Two (5-1, Win) 

The momentum from game one continued with Taliyah Thomas leading off with a base hit, stealing second, and scoring on a passed ball. East Tennessee tied it at one with a RBI single up the middle to bring new life for the Buccaneers. The Spartans kept their composure as Alanna Deal opened the top of the second reaching first from an infield error and advancing to second base from a wild pitch. Amie Johnson followed with double to left center putting Upstate back ahead with a 2-1 lead. The bats cooled off for the Buccaneers with Sophia Kardatzke striking two out of three batters through the bottom of the second inning while allowing no hits. The action picked up in the sixth inning with Abigail Pippen leading off with a single up the middle. Abby Polk followed with a base hit along with Alanna Deal getting on base from fielder's choice to get two runners on with Kailey Canupp being tagged out at second. With Emily Stern being walked at bat, Taliyah Thomas cleared the loaded bases with a three-RBI double stretching the lead to 5-1. East Tennessee would be halted at by consistent pitching from Sophia Kardatzke and continued discipline defensively to secure the sweep. 

Notable 

• Upstate Softball combined for 21 hits through games while only giving up two runs combined. 

• In the circle, Sophia Kardatzke pitched her third complete game while only giving up one hit through seven innings which was her best outing through her three complete games. 

• With Upstate's 21 hits, the Spartans surpassed 300+ hits on the season on the being 45 hits away from the 2024 season (351). 

Up Next for the Spartans  

Following the midweek doubleheader, Upstate Softball will return to the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium on Wednesday, March 26th against crosstown rival, Wofford College at 5:00 P.M. That day will be also Down Syndrome Awareness day with the program encouraging fans to wear blue and yellow.  

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!       

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