SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium for the second consecutive weekend in Big South play, USC Upstate Softball hosted Charleston Southern for game one of the weekend series taking game one with an 8-1 victory. 

The action picked up with Sierra Maness only allowing one hit through two innings keeping a control on the Buccaneers. Upstate began to put Charleston Southern in a bind with the lefty action of Abby Polk and Amie Johnson adding back-to-back infield singles to get into scoring position. Taliyah Thomas followed with an infield single and took advantage of throwing error to make her way to second while Johnson and Polk sprinted their way home for the first two runs. As Denver Lauer was walked to first, Lauer's IQ to put the target on her trying to steal second let Taliyah Thomas steal home for a 3-0 lead. The Buccaneers responded in the top of the fourth by getting two runners on from a base hit and a fielding error from Upstate. An infield hit past the shortstop advanced a runner home to get in the scoring column and load the bases. As the Buccaneers looked to charge their way back, Abby Polk connected with Abigail Pippen at home plate to throw a runner stealing the momentum away. Liza Simmerson opened the bottom of the inning with a perfectly placed base hit past the second baseman and followed with stealing second base. Denver Lauer continued to raised momentum by the Spartans with a RBI single through the right side sending Georgia Preddy home increasing their lead to 4-1. A fielding error on the following play took the attention away from Lauer using her lightning speed to advance home for a 5-1 lead. The bats cooled off with Sierra Maness striking out a batter and Abby Polk connecting with Carson Shaw for two consecutive putouts. The bottom of the fifth opened with Abigail Pippen and Georgia Preddy both being walked to give Upstate the opportunity for another scoring opportunity. With a 2-0 count, Taliyah Thomas had the green light smacking a three-run homer to left field under the lights. Upstate's defense were able to hold off the Buccaneers through the final two innings taking game one of the series with an 8-1 victory. Taliyah Thomas led the Spartans going 2-for-4 with four-RBI night with two runs scored and two stolen bases. In the circle, Sierra Maness picked up her 16th win striking out four batters while only allowing one run. 

Up Next for the Spartans 

Upstate Softball continues their weekend series with an afternoon Saturday doubleheader against Charleston Southern beginning at 1:00 P.M. and game three to follow at 3:00 P.M. Senior Day is projected to begin after game three with Liza Simmerson, Alanna Deal, Olivia Hall, and Denver Lauer being recognized. 

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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