CLEMSON, S.C. - Taking the field for day two of the NCAA Clemson Regionals in the elimination bracket, USC Upstate Softball took the field against the University of Kentucky where the Wildcats used their offensive firepower to halt the Spartans with an 11-0 win.
Kentucky opened the top of the first with a leadoff single to center field and followed with the first scoring run from a triple to right field. A sacrifice fly from the Wildcats helped drive their second run of the inning to lead 2-0. The Spartans looked to respond with getting their offense rolling but the Wildcats were able to escape the inning without allowing a runner on. Kentucky used the following two innings to take a 5-0 lead with two runners advancing on a single and following with a solo home run. Upstate began to get their offense going with Abigail Pippen doubling to left center and Liza Simmerson adding a base hit up the middle. The Wildcats were able to keep the Spartans from advancing any runners home and used the top of the sixth inning to drive in six runs off eight hits. Senior, Alanna Deal added the final hit of the game for the Spartans with a single through the right side, but Kentucky was able to force two more outs to win 11-0.
Head Coach Chris Hawkins commented on the outlook for the future of the program mentioning, "Our future is extremely bright, we've won 39 games and two conference championships in a row. We've been in this environment and got a feel for it so I think a lot of our players coming back are going to be really hungry to get back here again. I just look at it as a positive way and God always has a plan."
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The Spartans wrap up the season with a 39-16 record, eight all-conference players, back-to-back Conference Championships, and having an automatic bid to NCAA Regionals.
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