RADFORD, Va. - Returning to Big South Conference play at the Radford Softball Stadium, USC Upstate softball resumed their weekend series with Radford for games two and three where teams split day two.
Game Two (12-3, Win)
Radford looked to neutralize the offensive firepower of Upstate collecting two quick outs while not allowing a hit. With Sophia Kardatzke being walked to first, Upstate's first hit opened the scoring column with Carson Shaw smacking a two-run homer to left field giving the Spartans an early two-run lead. Radford entered the bottom of the inning getting the leadoff batter on with a walk while advancing to second on a passed ball. A sacrifice fly to right field was enough to have a runner in scoring position advance home giving Radford their first run. The Spartans continued putting the Highlanders in a bind with Carson Shaw and Abigail Pippen entering the top of the third with back-to-back RBI singles advancing their lead to 4-1. With bases loaded, a hit by pitch on Abby Polk & a groundout to first added two more runs building Upstate's momentum. Through the fifth inning, the Spartans totaled three hits while adding two runs with Carson Shaw continuing her hot day for another RBI single moving to an 8-1 lead. The Spartans gave Radford's pitching staff continue to adjust with Olivia Hall and Taliyah Thomas adding consecutive base hits. Denver Lauer and Sophia Kardatzke took advantage of the green light that was given with a two-RBI single followed by a two-run double. Radford responded in the bottom of the sixth with a triple to right center and a sacrifice fly adding two runs, but the Spartans held on to halt the Highlanders in game two.
Game Three (3-1, Loss)
Radford opened the scoring column getting two runners on from multiple walks and followed with a runner stealing at the home plate to lead 1-0. Abby Polk opened with Upstate's first hit game three but the Highlanders were able to not let any other runners advance. The lead from Radford was wiped away in the top of the third inning with Denver Lauer being walked and a Sophia Kardatzke base hit which followed with Alanna Deal doubling down the right field line for the tying run. The duel between both conference opponents continued through the following three innings following with Radford gaining the advantage in the bottom of the fifth. With two base hits and a batter being walked, Radford's runners took advantage of the fielder's choice and groundout to add two runs regaining the lead. Amie Johnson opened the top of the sixth with a single through the right side but a double play from the Highlanders helped end the inning with only three batters making an appearance. With the Spartans last chance to tie, a fielding error by the Highlanders helped Taliyah Thomas get on base. Two consecutive groundouts and a walk moved Thomas into scoring position and Emily Stern on first. A final groundout from Radford helped the Highlanders hold onto the lead splitting the day and winning the series.
Notable
Up Next for the Spartans
Following the weekend series at Radford, Upstate Softball returns to the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium for an afternoon doubleheader with South Carolina 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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