SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium, USC Upstate Softball took the field for a doubleheader conference matchup against Big South opponent, Winthrop University with both teams picking up a win on day two. With Upstate Softball adding a second win in the series, the Spartans ultimately took the series over the Eagles on their home field.
Game Two (4-3, Loss)
With Upstate leading the series, Winthrop looked to bring the energy for game two and put the Spartans in a bind. Opening the top of the first, the Eagles were able to get four batters on base from a walk resulting in a bases-loaded score on the fourth walk. Upstate responded in the bottom of the inning with Taliyah Thomas leading off with a base hit and stealing second. Denver Lauer followed with putting Upstate on the board with double to center field sending Thomas home for the tying run. The seesaw battle continued with Abby Polk adding a double to right center getting into scoring territory. The lefty action through the bottom of the lineup continued to thrive with Georgia Preddy's double down the right field line which was enough for Abby Polk to sprint home putting the Spartans ahead 2-1. Winthrop opened the top of the third getting a runner on base from a fielder's choice and following with a stolen base. The Eagles regained the lead with a two-run homer to left center swinging the momentum back in their favor with a 3-2 lead. Not to be outdone, Sophia Kardatzke entered the bottom of the inning with a solo homerun to left center tying the game at three. Winthrop opened the top of the fourth with a double to left field to add some pressure to the Spartan defense. With a runner advancing to third on the following groundout, an RBI single to left field followed for the Eagles to regain the lead. Through the following three innings, Winthrop allowed only three hits from Upstate while not giving up a run to hold on for the win in game two.
Game Three (6-0, Win)
With the series on the line, Upstate took the field with Sierra Maness starting in the circle and striking out two batters to keep Winthrop at zero. In the bottom of the inning, the focus from Upstate's offense displayed with Denver Lauer adding a hit to the right field. Sophia Kardatzke followed with an RBI single past the infield to send Lauer racing to the plate for Upstate's first run. With Kardatzke stealing second, Carson Shaw followed with an infield single in the same spot for the Spartans to push their lead to 2-0. Through two innings, the Eagles were unable to warm up the bats as the Spartans' defense showed discipline allowing no hits. Georgia Preddy opened the bottom of the second, with a single to right center and followed with a speedy steal to second base. A sacrifice bunt from Taliyah Thomas advanced Preddy to third and Denver Lauer followed with her second hit being an RBI single past the shortstop for Upstate's third run. Winthrop added their first hit in the top of the third but a strikeout from Sierra Maness and unassisted groundout from Abby Polk quickly ended the inning. The Spartans continued their offensive dominance at the plate with Abigail Pippen adding a double to left center putting the Eagles in another bind. Olivia Hall entered the lineup and did not disappoint as Hall's RBI single over the shortstop's head helped Upstate stretch their lead to 4-0. Winthrop came to their closest attempt at scoring with a batter being hit by pitch and infield single, but Sierra Maness cooled off the batters with another strikeout followed by Denver Lauer getting the final out of the inning in her territory. Taliyah Thomas led off the bottom of the inning with a double to left center, advanced to third from a wild pitch, and quickly found her way reaching on a groundout. Upstate's offense saw more success with Georgia Preddy adding her second hit with a double to left center and Sophia Kardatzke adding her second RBI single up the middle for the Spartans' final run.
Notable
Up next for the Spartans
Following the weekend series against Winthrop, Upstate Softball will travel to Athens, Georgia for a non-conference matchup against SEC Opponent, University of Georgia on Wednesday, April 9th beginning at 6:00 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!
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