SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Opening the new week with much action for USC Upstate Softball, the Spartans hosted the College of Charleston for a midweek battle with the Spartans hoisting a 10-hit game over the Cougars with two homeruns whilst making zero fielding errors. 

The Cougars opened the top of the first inning with an instant base hit to the infield and stealing second base to get themselves into scoring position. Charleston opened the scoring column with a single up the middle to advance a runner home for their first run. Offensively, the Spartans opened with Denver Lauer getting Upstate's first hit with an infield single. The College of Charleston were able to hold the Spartans to one hit with two runners left on base ending the first inning. The action picked up for the Spartans in the bottom of the second inning with Carson Shaw taking advantage of the green light with a solo shot to center field tying the game at one. With Amie Johnson being walked to first, Georgia Preddy doubled to left field driving in their second run to take the lead at 2-1. The College of Charleston hit a wall at bat with Sierra Maness striking out a batter along with Taliyah Thomas making a diving catch and Abby Polk finishing with a groundout. The bats continued to roll for the Spartans with Denver Lauer opening with her second hit to right center starting the party. Abigail Pippen's single up the middle was enough to force a pitching change making the Cougars adjust their gameplan. With a 1-2 count for Sophia Kardatzke, she did not waste her opportunity doubling to left center which was enough to advance Denver Lauer home for their third run. Upstate continued their momentum opening the bottom of the fifth with Alanna Deal's single to right center extending the lead to 4-1. As the game reached the sixth inning, Upstate opened with Taliyah Thomas getting on base with a walk and Denver Lauer adding a hit past the shortstop. Sophia Kardatzke did not waste the moment swinging at the first to send the ball to left center for a three-run homer. With a bind in the circle, the following three batters for the Spartans walked resulting in another run scored. The College of Charleston looked to make one last effort at bat but a groundout, flyout, and strikeout ended the inning giving the Spartans the win. 

Notable 

• Denver Lauer led with three hits making it her second game of the season going 3-for-4 at bat.  

• In the circle, Sierra Maness moved to 8-1 which makes her #2 in the Big South with wins in the circle behind Maddie Drerup who sits at 9-0. 

• Head Coach, Coach Hawkins moves to 1,116 career wins continuing the ranks being in the top-40 for the most winningest coaches in Division I Softball. 

Up Next for the Spartans  

Upstate will return to road action with a trip to Sunshine State for the John B. Stetson Invite beginning on Friday, March 7th and wrapping up on Saturday, March 8th with matchups against Bryant and Stetson. Friday's doubleheader will be at Noon and 3:00 P.M. and Saturday's matchups will be at 10:00 A.M. and Noon.  

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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