(2) Upstate Softball outduels (3) Radford to advance to the Winner’s Bracket; Championship rematch set with (1) Winthrop for Friday
5/7/2026 9:35:00 PM | Softball
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -Â Beginning the journey for glory in the 2026 Big South Softball Championships, USC Upstate Softball took the field for their opening game with number two seeded, Radford where the Spartans shutout the Highlanders for a 1-0 victory to advance to the winner's bracket.Â
The action picked up in the bottom of the second inning with a leadoff walk from Alyssa Davenport followed by Laney Jennings advancing Davenport to second from a sacrifice bunt. Abby Polk's RBI single through the right side did enough for Alyssa Davenport to advance home for the lone run to jump into the scoring column. As Radford looked to respond, a base hit, walk and fielder's choice loaded the bases in the top of the fifth with a chance to take the lead. Senior, Maddie Drerup remained composed in the circle as a pop-up in the infield got her out the jam to keep the Highlanders scoreless. Through the following two innings, Maddie Drerup allowed just one hit with the help of her defense to keep Radford off the scoreboard and move past Radford for the win. Â
Up next for the SpartansÂ
Following a win past Radford, Upstate Softball advanced to the Semi-finals where the 2025 Big South Softball Championship rematch will take place between the top seeds of Winthrop and USC Upstate at Noon on Thursday. Â
USC UPSTATE TO HOST 2026 BIG SOUTH SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Buy your tickets now for the 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.)                   Â
TICKETS ON-SALE FOR SPARTY'S BALL – MAY 15th                Â
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, 2026, at The Piedmont Club. For tickets, sponsorship and auction information, click here!  Â
