Thomas (13-13, 1-1 TSC) at No. 16 USC Beaufort (22-2, 2-0 TSC)
The University of South Carolina Beaufort softball team will try to add to its five-game winning streak and remain undefeated in The Sun Conference play when the 16th-ranked Sand Sharks host Thomas (Ga.) for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Friday at Richard Gray Sports Complex. Even with conference play starting only a week ago, USCB and St. Thomas are the only undefeated teams remaining in league play. The Sand Sharks shut out Ave Maria 11-0 and 4-0 to open conference play last weekend, while the Nighthawks split with the Lady Gyrenes, winning 7-6 and losing 4-2.
LEADING OFF
Date: Friday, March 29
Time: 1 p.m. (DH)
Location: Richard Gray Sports Complex, Hardeeville
SCOUTING THOMAS
The Nighthawks have won two straight and three of four after a doubleheader sweep of Point (Ga.) on Wednesday. Thomas is exceptionally aggressive on the bases, ranking third in the nation in stolen bases (82) and fourth in stolen bases per game (3.154) and leading the nation in times caught stealing (20) and times caught stealing per game (0.769). Junior 3B Taylor Nicolosi (.389 avg, 7 HR, 18 RBIs) is the team's top hitter, and junior RHP Alexa Fair (6-3, 2.61 ERA) has been the top pitcher.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time: TU leads 1-0
Current streak: TU won last meeting
All-time at USCB: First meeting
Streak at USCB: First meeting
LIVE COVERAGE
TV: None
Streaming video: Stretch Internet
Live stats: Stretch Internet
NOTES
• USCB has claimed The Sun Conference Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week honors four times each in seven awards periods this season. Sophomore RHP Kristy Cook has earned Pitcher of the Week honors the past two weeks after sophomore LHP Caitlin Campbell and freshman RHP Ashlie Layman each won the award once earlier in the season. Junior SS C.J. Browder claimed Player of the Week honors for the third time this week, and junior 2B Katie Rietkovich also has won the award this season.
• The Sand Sharks have been one of the most productive offensive teams in the nation, leading the nation in hits per game (11.083), batting average (.399) and slugging (.621) and ranking third in runs per game (8.875) and fourth in home runs per game (1.25).
• USCB has scored 10 or more runs 12 times and 12 of USCB's wins have ended early via the eight-run mercy rule. Both of the Sand Sharks' losses have been in one-run games.
• The Sand Sharks' pitching staff also has been outstanding, ranking 25th in the nation in team ERA (2.09). Sophomore Kristy Cook (10-0, 1.88 ERA) ranks 21st in wins and 35th in strikeouts (67).
• USCB's pitchers have compiled a remarkable 142 strikeouts against only 35 walks in 151 innings.
RELATED LINKS
USCB Softball Media Guide
USCB Softball Season Statistics
Sun Conference Softball Standings
USCB Sand Sharks on Facebook
USCB Athletics on Twitter
