BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Opening the weekend series in conference play, USC Upstate Softball took the field for game one against Gardner-Webb where the Spartans shut out the Runnin' Bulldogs with a 12-0 victory. 

Opening the bottom of the first inning, Upstate kept the Runnin' Bulldogs grounded with zero hits and Sierra Maness striking out the final batter. The action picked up with Carson Shaw opening the top of the second inning with an infield single. With Kailey Canupp in as the pinch runner, Alanna Deal's double to left center drove in the first run. The action continued with Abigail Pippen getting on base with a base hit past the pitcher and Alanna Deal advancing to third. Abby Polk's sacrifice fly to left field drove in the second run followed by an RBI Single from Liza Simmerson pushing the Spartans to a 3-0 lead. With Taliyah Thomas being walked to first, the bases were loaded for Sophia Kardatzke at bat setting the stage for a grand slam homer pushing Upstate ahead 7-0. Gardner-Webb looked to respond with two hits in the bottom of the inning, but Alanna Deal's double play quickly ended the inning keeping the Runnin' Bulldogs scoreless. Gardner-Webb looked to contain the Spartans at bat but three consecutive walks and a groundout scored two runs for Upstate to continue their hot streak. A fielding error by the shortstop advanced Carson Shaw to third and Sophia Kardatzke home moving their lead to 10-0. The  Runnin' Bulldogs continued finding an answer adding one hit in the bottom of the fourth but a strikeout from Sierra Maness left two runners on base keeping Gardner-Webb scoreless. Amie Johnson and Liza Simmerson opened the top of the fifth inning with back to back singles to put the Runnin' Bulldogs in a bind. A fielder's choice and a throwing error in the infield was enough to send Amie Johnson sprinting home followed by a RBI single from Denver Lauer to add two runs. Upstate wrapped up the game in five innings only allowing three hits with Sierra Maness earning her 19th win in the circle with five strikeouts. Amie Johnson went 3-for-3 followed by Liza Simmerson going 2-for-2 with an RBI.  

Up Next for the Spartans 

Upstate Softball will continue their weekend series with a Saturday afternoon doubleheader at Gardner-Webb Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 & 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!              

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