HARDEEVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – The University of South Carolina Beaufort softball team closed out its three-game series against Flagler College on Saturday afternoon by making program history. After falling 8–2 in game one, USCB responded with a 9–6 victory over the Saints to secure its first-ever series win over Flagler.
USCB improves to 20–14 overall and 4–8 in conference play following the series.
GAME ONE:
The USCB offense was led by Taelor Chang, who recorded three hits, including a home run. Four other Sand Sharks added a hit in the game. Cassie Brundage struck out two batters over seven innings in the circle.
Flagler struck first, using a leadoff walk and an RBI single later in the inning to take an early 1–0 lead.
USCB threatened in the bottom of the first inning, loading the bases on two singles and a walk, but the Saints worked out of the jam to maintain the lead.
The game remained 1–0 through three innings. The Sand Sharks again loaded the bases in the third inning, but a groundout ended the threat and kept Flagler in front.
The Saints extended their lead in the fourth inning. After a leadoff single, a two-run home run pushed the advantage to 3–0.
USCB answered in the fifth inning with two runs. Catharine Conway led off with a single and advanced home during a play on the bases. Taelor Chang then delivered a solo home run to cut the deficit to 3–2.
After a scoreless sixth inning, Flagler extended their lead with five runs in the seventh. A leadoff double and RBI single made it 4–2, and back-to-back two-RBI singles extended the lead to 8–2, which held as the final score.
GAME TWO
The Sand Sharks were led offensively by Tamiyah Whitlock and Chloe Turner, who each recorded two RBIs. Taelor Chang added three hits, including a home run, while seven different players drove in a run in the victory.
Madison Murphy earned her 11th win of the season, pitching six innings and striking out two. Emily Morgan added one strikeout in one inning of relief.
USCB jumped out early in game two. Catharine Conway led off with a single, sparking a rally that led to a two-RBI single by Chloe Turner, scoring Saria Simmons and Conway. Katelyn Boyette followed with an RBI triple to give the Sand Sharks a 3–0 lead after the first inning.
Flagler responded in the third inning with a two-run home run to cut the lead to 3–2, then tied the game in the fourth on a wild pitch following three consecutive walks.
USCB answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Conway drove in a run on a groundout, and Tamiyah Whitlock followed with an RBI single. Saria Simmons added another RBI single to give USCB a 6–3 lead.
The Sand Sharks extended the lead in the fifth inning. Emma Brinkman delivered an RBI double to make it 7–3, and Whitlock later added an RBI single to push the advantage to 8–3.
Taelor Chang added a solo home run in the sixth inning, giving USCB a 9–3 lead heading into the final frame.
Flagler had a late rally, scoring three runs on a two-RBI single and a groundout to make it 9–6. The Saints brought the tying run to the plate, but a flyout ended the game, securing the series victory for USCB.
The Sand Sharks will return to action on April 3, opening a three-game series against North Georgia. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., with the series concluding on April 4.
