Gamecocks riding 2-game win streak 
With two straight victories under its belt, the South Carolina women’s soccer team is ready for its biggest game of the season so far.
USC will welcome Clemson to Eugene E. Stone III Stadium Saturday night and look to defeat its rival for the fifth consecutive year. Saturday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
“It’s an amazing game,” coach Shelley Smith said. “There’s always so much excitement from both teams and from the crowd. It’s a great event. We’re always up for that game. Both teams are strong, so you see a good match with top college soccer, and we’re excited to be hosting them.”
USC’s players are proud of their winning streak, but they understand a victory is not guaranteed.
“It’s a confidence boost, but I think we also know that every year is a new year both for us and for Clemson,” junior captain Elizabeth Sinclair said. “While it’s good to have in our pocket, we can’t rely on the past to get things done right now. We know they’re definitely improving. Their younger players are now stepping into older roles and filling those shoes very well. It’s still going to be a tough game, but I think our defense is ready for them.”
The Tigers come to Columbia with a 3-1 record on the year after dominating Presbyterian 6-0 Sunday. Clemson pulled away with four goals within five minutes in the middle of the second half.
USC has seen an offensive surge of its own of late, tallying five goals in the last two games after scoring just once in the first two games of the season. Forward Coryn Bajema was named SEC Freshman of the Week after recording three goals in South Carolina’s victories over Mercer and Jacksonville.
“We are so happy for her,” Sinclair said. “For a freshman to come in and get that right away and do as well as she’s been doing, it’s just awesome for her and for the team. We really hope that she continues that and continues to step up.”
Bajema, along with fellow freshmen Stevi Parker and Courtney Angotti-Smith, have been essential to South Carolina’s offense. Parker scored USC’s final goal on Sunday, while Angotti-Smith leads the team with three assists on the season. Sinclair said the newcomers have impressed their teammates with their contributions so far.
“Both on the field and off the field, they’ve been huge,” Sinclair said. “They’re willing to work for us and willing to do the things we ask of them, even if it’s harder than what they’re used to. Coming into a D-1 sport is really hard, and I think they’re all adjusting and doing a great job and pushing themselves to be better.”
Many of USC’s players are from out of state, but they understand the importance of the rivalry. Sinclair, who is from St. Louis, said the team will do everything possible to extend its winning streak against Clemson.
“Even though we’re from out of town, we’re part of the Gamecock family and Gamecock nation,” Sinclair said. “It might not feel as big, but once you step onto the field, the atmosphere and everything gets to you, so you’re willing to do whatever it takes for Carolina to come out on top.”
Note: The Gamecocks will welcome sophomore goalie Sabrina D’Angelo back to the team for Saturday’s match, as the Canadian team was knocked out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup over the weekend. North Korea sent Canada home with a 2-1 win on a late penalty kick.