The No. 21 South Carolina softball team run-ruled the Georgia Southern Eagles 13-3 Wednesday night at Beckham Field. South Carolina built an early lead over Georgia Southern in the first three innings while capitalizing on defensive errors by the Eagles to build momentum.
Georgia Southern recorded two hits in the top of the first inning but did not score. Freshman outfielder Jaycee Bilbrey and senior outfielder Emma Davis each singled to put two runners on, but the inning ended on a fielder’s choice with both runners stranded.
South Carolina responded with an eight-run first inning on five hits, aided by multiple Georgia Southern errors. Redshirt senior outfielder Quincee Lilio scored the first run after reaching on a walk and advancing on junior infielder Karley Shelton’s single and a throwing error.
Senior infielder Arianna Rodi added an RBI double following another defensive misplay. With the bases loaded, senior catcher Lexi Winters drew a walk to force in a run.
Senior catcher Jamie Mackay and sophomore outfielder Nia McKnight each recorded sacrifice flies, while Lilio added a two-RBI single to extend the lead to 7-0. After a pitching change by the Eagles, Shelton reached on a misplay, junior utility Tori Ensley was hit by a pitch, and a wild pitch allowed another run to score. The first inning ended with South Carolina leading 8-0.
South Carolina added four runs in the second inning on three hits. Mackay singled and advanced on a wild pitch, before sophomore infielder Shae Anderson walked. After another pitching change, Lilio tripled down the right field line to drive in two runs. Shelton reached on an error, allowing another run to score, and Ensley followed with an RBI double to make it 12-0.
In the third inning, South Carolina added one run on two hits. Sophomore infielder Tate Davis doubled and later scored on Mackay’s RBI single to extend the lead to 13-0.
Georgia Southern broke through in the fourth inning, scoring three runs on two hits. Three walks loaded the bases, before freshman catcher Saige Herbst delivered a two-RBI single. A wild pitch brought in another run, before the inning ended with two runners left on base.
South Carolina was held scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, despite a double from Shelton leaving one runner stranded. Georgia Southern recorded one hit in the fifth as junior infielder Delanie Thames singled to left field, but the game ended with a lineout and a strikeout.
Offensive pressure set tone early
South Carolina scored 13 runs through the first three innings, combining timely hitting with six walks and no strikeouts. The Gamecocks consistently generated baserunners and moved through the lineup quickly, creating repeated RBI opportunities. Head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard emphasized the team’s offensive approach and consistency at the plate.
“We’re focused on having a competitive plate appearance … and really next man up, so we want to keep the offense rolling,” Chastain Woodard said.
Lilio credited preparation and trust in the game plan for her success at the plate.
“I trust the data that the coaches give to us. It was really simple for me to go up there and just feel comfortable and to commit to the plan,” Lilio said.
Aggressive baserunning
South Carolina took advantage of multiple Georgia Southern defensive errors, particularly in the first inning, to extend innings and add runs. Early runs were generated through a combination of hits and misplays, including throwing errors and outfield mistakes.
Chastain Woodard pointed to baserunning as a key factor in capitalizing on those opportunities.
“I thought we took advantage and were really aggressive on the base path, … just kind of really having a good aggressive mindset on the bases,” Chastain Woodard said.
Lilio noted the team’s ability to stay focused regardless of the score while continuing to apply pressure.
“We never play the scoreboard … Whatever situation’s in front of us, we attack that,” Lilio said.
Pitching depth utilized despite fourth-inning issues
South Carolina utilized multiple pitchers, beginning with Lamb, who provided three scoreless innings to start the game.
Georgia Southern scored three runs in the fourth inning after junior pitcher Emma Friedel issued four walks and was unable to record an out.Chastain Woodard said the fourth inning did not reflect Friedel’s typical performance.
“She just really couldn’t find the zone there … It’s not very characteristic of her,” Chastain Woodard said.
She also highlighted the importance of using multiple pitchers as the game progressed. Senior pitcher Josey Marron and freshman pitcher KG Favors finished the fourth and fifth innings for the Gamecocks.
What's next?
South Carolina will remain in Columbia to face the No. 22 LSU Tigers on Friday, March 20. First pitch is set for 6 p.m., and the game can be streamed on SEC Network+.