SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to the field for the final regular-season game for Upstate Softball, the Spartans took on Longwood in Game three of the Big South conference weekend series on the national stage with both opponents' final conference game being live on ESPNU. The Lancers were able to halt the Spartans taking game three of the series for the sweep.  

The action picked up with a leadoff walk and an infield single quickly putting two runners on base. Longwood followed with a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly scoring the first run of the game. The Spartans looked to get going with Alanna Deal getting on base from a four-pitch walk but a pop-up, ground out, and swinging strikeout kept Upstate scoreless in the bottom of the first. The Lancers continued warming up the bats at the top of the second opening with a bunt single and base hit through the left side getting a runner in scoring position. The Lancers built their lead to three with a double over Abby Polk's range drawing two runners at home plate. Upstate tallied their first hit with Abby Polk smacking a double to right center looking to bring in the first run, however Longwood forced two consecutive groundouts leaving Polk on third. The lead built with Longwood continuing to attack the plate from a solo homerun to right field building their lead to four. The Spartans found some life in the bottom of the third inning with Alanna Deal making her way to first from a hit by pitch followed by a base hit from Sophia Kardatzke. Defensively, Longwood continued their discipline keeping Upstate scoreless through the following two innings while allowing only one hit. Liza Simmerson brought more life to Upstate for a final chance at a late rally with two consecutive base hits with one being a single up the middle and a double to left field. Simmerson's double to left field created some drama in the bottom of the seventh with the original stance being a hit to the outfield followed by a throw out at second base. With a review on the replay, the call was overturned crediting Simmerson with a double giving the Spartans one last shot. Longwood finished through seven innings keeping Upstate scoreless while only allowing five hits and leaving seven runners on base. 

Notable 

• Upstate Softball wraps up Regular season play finishing 36-14 overall with a 10-8 conference record. This makes Upstate's this consecutive 30-win season and will now prepare for the Big South Tournament. 

• The Big South Softball Championships will be held in Clinton, South Carolina at Presbyterian College beginning May 7th and wrapping up May 10th. 

• Seedings will be announced Saturday, May 3rd by the Big South Conference. 

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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