SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Spartans started day one of the Spartan Classic with one game against Toledo and one game against Loyola University of Chicago on Friday afternoon.
Upstate began its season with a 5-2 loss to Toldeo after three early runs from the Rockets forced the Spartans to trail early. Several Spartans made their first starts in Upstate uniforms such as Abigail Pippen, Emily Stern, Taliyah Thomas, Amie Johnson, and Abby Polk. Maddie Drerup started in the circle for Upstate and was later replaced by Alyssa Kelly who had two strikeouts. Thomas scored one of Upstate's two runs after a Denver Lauer sent a single to right field. Alanna Deal posted the second run after she stole third and advanced home off an error by the Rockets. Lauer, Deal, Thomas, and Cassie Norris all stole one base against Toldeo while Thomas, Lauer, and Norris were all credited with a hit.
In Upstate's second game of the Spartan Classic, Norris slammed the first home run of the season over left center. The solo home run gave Upstate's its lone run of the game. Thomas yet again earned one hit game two while Norris racked up two, and Abigail Pippen got her first hit of the season in the form of a double. Freshman Sierra Maness made her college debut in the circle for the Spartans and got 11 strikeouts against the Ramblers in her first full game.
The Spartans are back in action Saturday afternoon to continue the Spartan Classic against Towson at the adjusted time of 1:30 p.m. at Cyrill Stadium.
Saturday Schedule
9:30 a.m. | Loyola vs. Toldeo
11:30 a.m. | S.C. State vs. Loyola
1:30 p.m. | Towson vs. S.C. State
3:30 p.m. Towson vs. Upstate
*All games will have live stats provided but no live streams will be available
UP NEXT FOR THE SPARTANS
After the annual Spartan Classic, Upstate will take the short drive to Rock Hill, S.C. to participate in the Winthrop Eagle Classic hosted by Big South competitor Winthrop University Feb 16-17. Games are set for 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Friday and 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Donate to the I-26 Rivalry Canned Food Drive supporting Miracle Hill Ministries
Support USC Upstate Athletics and Miracle Hill Ministries by donating canned and non-perishable food items for the Ingles I-26 Rivalry Canned Food Drive through February 10. A competition between USC Upstate and UNC Asheville, the school collecting the most donations will win 3 bonus points in the yearlong rivalry series. For rivalry series details and donation drop off locations, click here. Make your donations of 3 or more canned or non-perishable food items at the home basketball games on Feb. 7 and 10 and be entered to win USC Upstate gear, gift cards and other prizes! Stop by the Ingles Marketing Tent in the lobby of the Hodge Center for more details.
Connect with the Spartans
Facebook.com/UpstateAthletics
Twitter | @UpstateSoftball @UpstateSpartans
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