Junior left-handed pitcher Alex Valentin celebrates after an inning-ending strikeout during a game against Northern Kentucky Feb. 14, 2026, at Founders Park. Valentin is in his first season with the Gamecocks.
Junior pitcher Emma Friedel celebrates a strikeout during a game against Charlotte on Feb. 24, 2026, at Carolina Softball Stadium. Friedel has 30 strikeouts this season.
FILE — Junior Infielder Karley Shelton running to third during a game against Boston University on Feb. 13, 2026, at Beckham Field. Shelton has an OBP of .458 so far this season.
FILE — Junior left-handed pitcher Alex Valentin throws a pitch during a game against Northern Kentucky on Feb. 14, 2026, at Founders Park. The Gamecocks lost to the Northern Kentucky Norse 2-3.
Junior pitcher Emma Friedel celebrating after an inning-ending strikeout during a game against Boston University on Feb. 13, 2026, at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field. Friedel is in her first season with the Gamecocks.
Junior utility player Tori Ensley sliding into home during a game against Boston University on Feb. 13, 2026, at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field. Ensley is batting .407 so far this season.
Sophomore outfielder Nia McKnight sliding into second during a game against Boston University on Feb. 13, 2026, at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field. McKnight was 5-5 on steals last season for the Gamecocks.
Sophomore infielder Tate Davis attempting to steal second base during a game against Boston University on Feb. 13, 2026, at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field. Davis has four stolen bases this season.
FILE — Junior forward Elijah Strong boxes out a defending player during the game against Mizzou on Feb. 7, 2026. Strong scored 12 points.
Senior outfielder Ethan Lizama celebrating after a strikeout from junior pitcher Brandon Stone during a game against Northern Kentucky on Feb. 14, 2026, at Founders Park. Lizama has a perfect fielding percentage on the year.