Bench play key for USC
The bench proved to be a huge asset for the USC softball team in Saturday's split doubleheader against Elon.
The Gamecocks took the first game against the Phoenix 2-0.
"I thought we played really well," coach Beverly Smith said. "We had a big fourth inning where we had a leadoff double and we're able to take advantage of that."
The fourth inning resulted in the Gamecocks' two runs. Lauren Lackey scored one after making it to second and then being brought in off a hit by Samie Garcia. Jackie Slawson came off the bench in a big way scoring the Gamecocks' second run of the afternoon off of a throwing error.
"We've got girls that, in the first game, Dillon led off with a double and Jackie Slawson came in as a pinch runner and did a great job of taking a ball in the dirt and then ended up scoring on an errant throw that they had," Smith said. "Things like that, our bench has really been able to come out and help us so I definitely think our strength has been in our numbers and the options that we have every game."
Starting pitcher Audrey Broyles also had a big game, limiting the Phoenix to only two hits for the entire game. Broyles threw only 74 pitches and topped the team with four defensive assists.
"Audrey Broyles did a really good job getting ahead of hitters, had a shut out, and our defense played really well behind her," said Smith.
Elon (8-2) came out ready to play in the second game, winning 8-1. In the first inning alone, the Phoenix scored three runs off of just one hit.
"The second game just went a lot differently," Smith said. "They came out, jumped on us early and we never recovered. "
After a series of substitutions after the third inning at pitcher it seemed the Gamecocks found their groove up until the seventh inning, keeping the Phoenix to two hits and no runs.
"I think we made a lot of substitutions today; we've got a lot of depth on the bench that we are able to go to some kids and pitchers in certain situations which is good," Smith said.