Upstate Softball welcomes Radford for the Big South Opener weekend series beginning Friday evening

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium for the first time since February 25, USC Upstate Softball welcomes Radford for the Big South opener between both opponents. Following 13 games away from home, the Spartans begin their weekend series with one game on Friday, March 20th at 4:00 P.M. Eastern time followed by doubleheader action on Saturday, March 21st at 1:00 & 3:00 P.M. Eastern time.

Overview

The Spartans and Highlanders meet for the first time during the 2026 season with the coincidence of Radford being the 2025 Regular Season Champions and Upstate being the 2025 Big South Tournament Champions. During the 2025 season, Radford took the series, 2-1 following a walk-off win on day one and Upstate responding with a 12-3 win on day two. In the series clinching game, Radford took the series with a 3-1 final. On the year, Radford comes into conference play with an 11-14 overall record with notable wins over Liberty, UConn and Boston College. Upstate comes into the Big South play with a 17-11 overall record with notable wins over Ohio, Robert Morris, and Troy. Fans who will not able to attend the weekend series will be able to watch all three games on TV as the entire weekend series will be streamed live on ESPN+.

This Weekend's Matchup

Mar. 20, 2026| 4:00 P.M. EST

Mar. 21, 2026| 1:00 P.M. EST

Mar. 21, 2026| 3:00 P.M. EST

USC Upstate Spartans (17-11; 0-0 Big South) vs. Radford Highlanders (11-14; 0-0 Big South)

Location: Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium| Spartanburg, South Carolina

TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App

How they Stack Up

All-Time Series: USC Upstate leads 17-5

Last Five Meetings: Mar. 29, 2025 (RAD 3; UPST 1); Mar. 29, 2025 (UPST 12; RAD 3); Mar. 28, 2025 (RAD 3; UPST 2); Mar. 17, 2024 (UPST 9; RAD 1); Mar. 16, 2024 (UPST 7; RAD 1)

Players to Watch

USC Upstate: Senior Infielder, Ella Christopher is ranked second on the Spartans batting .398 with 35 hits, a team-leading 11 doubles, three home runs, and 34 RBI. Christopher continues to be a catalyst in the high-powered offense as she is second on Upstate with 11 multi-hit games behind Taliyah Thomas (eight games with two hits, three games with three hits). Christopher leads Upstate with 12 multi-RBI games and has proved she can be a part of the recipe for Upstate. With much familiarity with the Big South, Christopher looks to add her experience for conference play and help Upstate open Big South action on a high note.

Radford: Junior Infielder, Amanda Lee is ranked second on the Highlanders with 25 hits and is the lone player batting in the .300 range with a .347 batting average. Lee leads Radford with five stolen bases and six doubles while adding a home run. Amanda Lee looks to be a spark for Radford through three games of action in Hub City and take the series on the road.

Up next for the Spartans

Following the weekend series, the wheels on the bus begin to roll again as Upstate Softball travels to Cullowhee, North Carolina for a Tuesday afternoon doubleheader against SoCon opponent, Western Carolina at 3:00 & 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

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

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Players Mentioned

Ella Christopher

Taliyah Thomas

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