DELAND, Fla. - Returning to the field for the last weekend of non-conference play, Upstate Softball entered the Sunshine State with back-to-back games against Bryant University and Stetson with the Spartans fighting their way for a win against Bryant and dropping game two to Stetson.
Game One vs. Bryant (8-4, Win)
Upstate faced early adversity with the Bulldogs spotting four runs with two hits, a sacrifice fly, and a runner advancing home from a fielder's choice. The Spartans battled back in the bottom of the second inning with Alanna Deal opening with Upstate's first hit. A hit by pitch, sacrifice bunt, and a walk later loaded the bases for the Spartans with runners in scoring position. Taliyah Thomas' single to right field drove in the first run avoiding a shutout for Spartans. With a pickle in the circle, Denver Lauer was walked to first advancing Abby Polk home for Upstate's second run cutting into the Bulldog lead more. Sophia Kardatzke's infield single not only helped her make it to first, but also resulted in an RBI with Georgia Preddy advancing home for the third run to continue the second inning momentum. Bryant looked to respond with two hits in the third inning, but with the defense on point and Maddie Drerup retiring a batter the Spartans were able to escape the inning not allowing run. The game entered new life with Abby Polk's double down the left field line to begin the bottom of the inning. With Amie Johnson being walked and stealing second, Georgia Preddy's single down the line tied the game at four causing Bryant to adjust. With a sacrifice fly from Taliyah Thomas, Upstate took the lead with Amie Johnson beating a throw to home. The Spartans continued to light it up through the following inning as Sophia Kardatzke doubled to left field showcasing the speed of Emily Stern to continue building their lead. A sacrifice fly from Carson Shaw and a triple to right center from Abby Polk moved Upstate's lead to 8-4 changing the entire landscape of the game. Through the following three innings, Maddie Drerup only gave up one hit while finishing the game for her fourth complete game and 10th win in the circle.
Game Two vs. Stetson (7-2, Loss)
Upstate opened the top of the first with Denver Lauer and Abigial Pippen adding two base hits to get runners into scoring position. With a fielder's choice from Sophia Kardatzke and a stolen base, the Hatters were put in an early bind. However, with a groundout Stetson escaped the inning without allowing a run. Upstate opened the scoring column with Alanna Deal being walked and Amie Johnson being hit by pitch to get two runners on. Taliyah Thomas followed with a two-out double to left center advancing Deal and Johnson home for the first two runs of the contest. Stetson responded in the bottom of the third inning with a batter being walked and two consecutive hits tying the game at two. The Hatters took the lead adding five more runs through five hits and one error to lead 7-2. At bat, Stetson cooled off the Spartans with only allowing one hit to overcome the early advantage from Upstate.
Notable
Up Next for the Spartans
The Spartans take the field for Day Two of the John B. Stetson Invite with a morning matchup against Bryant University and an afternoon battle with Stetson to wrap up play for the weekend.
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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