Upstate Softball returns to Hub City for a weekend series, hosting Gardner-Webb

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Returning to Hub City after five games away, USC Upstate Softball will host Gardner-Webb in a three-game series for their series in Big South play. Weekend play will begin with a doubleheader on Friday, April 3rd at 3:00 & 5:00 P.M. Eastern time followed by a lone game on Saturday, April 4th at 4:00 P.M. Eastern.

Overview

The Spartans and Runnin' Bulldogs meet for the first time since April 18-19, 2025, where the Spartans won the series in a sweep. This series marks the first weekend series on the Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium since April 20-22, 2024, where the Spartans won the series 2-1. With Friday's slate being a doubleheader, the two best hitting teams in the Big South will look to gain the upper hand going into a nationally televised game on Saturday, April 4th. Originally scheduled for a 1:00 P.M. first pitch on Saturday, ESPNU returns to Spartanburg, South Carolina moving the game to 4:00 P.M. Eastern time, marking the first time both programs will face off against each other on ESPNU since April 25, 2021 where Upstate won, 2-1. USC Upstate comes off their second weekend series win over Longwood, avenging a series sweep from the 2025 season, moving their overall record to 22-14 (5-1 Big South). Gardner-Webb comes off a bye weekend in conference play and dropped their midweek game against ACC Opponent, Clemson. The Runnin' Bulldogs won their opening Big South series against Charleston Southern in a sweep and dropped their second series against Winthrop in the same fashion. Gardner-Webb comes into the weekend sitting at 23-13 (3-3 Big South). Fans who will not be able to attend the weekend series will be able to watch all three games on TV as the first two games will be streamed live on ESPN+ and the finale will be live on ESPNU.

This Weekend's Matchup

Apr. 3, 2026| 3:00 P.M. EST

Apr. 3, 2026| 5:00 P.M. EST

Apr. 4, 2026| 4:00 P.M. EST

USC Upstate Spartans (22-14; 5-1 Big South) vs. Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (23-13; 3-3 Big South)

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

TV: ESPN+ | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App (Game One & Two)

TV: ESPNU | Via WatchESPN.com or the ESPN App (Game Three)

How they Stack Up

All-time series: Upstate leads 37-5

Last Five Meetings: Apr. 19, 2025 (UPST 8; GW 3); Apr. 19, 2025 (UPST 7; GW 3); Apr. 18, 2025 (UPST 12; GW 0); Apr. 22, 2024 (UPST 5; GW 1); Apr. 20, 2024 (GW 4; UPST 3)

Last Meeting on ESPNU: Apr. 25, 2021 (UPST 2; GW 1)

Players to Watch

USC Upstate: Redshirt Freshman Catcher, Laney Jennings continues to add a different feel of energy for the Spartans through the 2026 campaign. Jennings added four hits through the week of Mar. 23-29, including her sixth multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 in game two against Longwood. Jennings also added her seventh multi-RBI game with two in the second game with her fifth home run of the season. On the year, Laney Jennings adds a .312 batting average, tied third on the team with six doubles, tied first with five home runs, and fourth with 34 hits. Through 36 games played, Laney Jennings continues to prove to be a contributing factor defensively with 118 putouts (second on Upstate) while adding 25 assists. Laney Jennings will be a player to keep an eye on as she has displayed on multiple occasions shifting the atmosphere of a game.

Gardner-Webb: Senior Infielder, Maggie Knight has shown that her game can translate on any level, impacting the NJCAA level, NAIA and now Division I. Knight leads with a .423 batting average while adding 41 hits, 10 doubles, two home runs, 36 RBI and adding a .588 slugging percentage. Knight's lone season with Gardner-Webb has helped power the Runnin' Bulldogs as the best hitting team in the Big South with a .353 batting average. Following a lone season with Montreat College (N.C.), Knight looks to continue her play in the Big South to push Gardner-Webb further than regular season play with three opportunities at Cyrill Stadium.

Up next for the Spartans

Following a weekend series and time with loved ones on Easter, Upstate Softball returns to non-conference play with a quick trip to Athens, Georgia on Wednesday, April 8th taking on their second SEC Opponent, #11 University of Georgia at 6:00 P.M. Eastern time live on SECN+.

USC UPSTATE TO HOST 2026 BIG SOUTH SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Buy your tickets now for 2026 Big South Softball Championship to be held at Hawkins Field at Cyrill Stadium. The event will be held May 6-9 and for more information and tickets, click here. (A clear bag policy will be enforced for this event.)

TICKETS ON-SALE FOR SPARTY'S BALL – MAY 15th
Support USC Upstate student-athletes at Sparty's Ball, the largest fundraising event of the year for the Upstate Athletic Fund (UAF), to be held Friday, May 15, 2025 at The Piedmont Club. For tickets, sponsorship and auction information, click here!

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Players Mentioned

Laney Jennings

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