USC Union Dominates Florence-Darlington
Game 1 – On April 9, 2025, USC Union faced off against Florence-Darlington in a decisive matchup that ended in a 10-2 victory for USC Union. The game, held at Florence, showcased an impressive performance from USC Union, both offensively and defensively.
USC Union’s offense was unstoppable, with the team scoring in four out of the five innings. R. Bouchard stood out with an exceptional performance, scoring three runs and stealing four bases. The team’s strategic plays included a home run by K. Starns, contributing to the team’s five RBIs. The lineup demonstrated discipline, with five players earning walks, which helped maintain pressure on Florence-Darlington’s defense.
The game began with Florence-Darlington taking an early lead by scoring two runs in the first inning. However, USC Union quickly responded, scoring one run in the first inning and then dominating the rest of the game with a consistent offensive onslaught. USC Union’s E. Pelletier, C. Rumsey, and A. Benfield each contributed to the team’s RBIs, ensuring a comfortable lead.
On the mound, J. Heitman delivered a stellar performance for USC Union, pitching a complete game. Over five innings, Heitman allowed only four hits and no earned runs while striking out four batters. This strong pitching performance was complemented by a solid defensive effort, despite USC Union committing four errors.
Game 2 – On April 9, 2025, USC Union faced off against Florence-Darlington in a softball showdown that saw USC Union emerge victorious with a commanding 9-1 win. The game, played at Florence, displayed USC Union’s strong offensive and defensive capabilities, leaving Florence-Darlington struggling to keep up.
USC Union’s offense was relentless from the second inning onwards, scoring in four consecutive innings. The team racked up a total of 8 hits and 9 runs, showcasing their batting prowess. USC Union’s J. Davis and P. Shelton were standout performers, contributing significantly to the team’s score. Davis secured 2 RBIs, while Shelton hit a home run and added 2 RBIs to the tally.
Florence-Darlington, on the other hand, faced difficulties at the plate, managing only one run in the fifth inning. Their hitters were unable to penetrate USC Union’s pitching effectively, resulting in zero hits and runs until the final inning.
**Key Performers:**
– **USC Union Batting:**
– J. Davis: 1 hit, 2 RBIs
– P. Shelton: 2 hits, 1 home run, 2 RBIs
– A. Cole: 2 hits
– B. Stewart: 1 hit, 1 RBI
– **USC Union Pitching:**
– K. Starns: 3.0 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs, 3 strikeouts
– C. Chavis: 1.0 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 strikeout
– M. Horton: 1.0 IP, 1 hit, 1 run (unearned)
USC Union’s defense was flawless, committing no errors throughout the game. The team’s solid fielding and strategic plays, including a double play executed by A. Cole and A. Benfield, further cemented their dominance on the field.
Lady Bantams Triumph Over USC Salkehatchie
Game 1 – On April 10, 2025, USC Union showcased a stellar performance against USC Salkehatchie, sealing a commanding 12-2 victory in a five-inning game held in Union, SC. The home team demonstrated both offensive prowess and defensive solidity, leaving USC Salkehatchie struggling to keep up.
From the onset, USC Union took control of the game, scoring three runs in the first inning and never looking back. Their momentum continued with another three runs in the second inning, followed by an explosive six-run third inning, effectively putting the game out of reach for USC Salkehatchie. USC Union’s offensive barrage was led by standout performances from R. Bouchard and A. Cole. Bouchard was particularly impressive, going 3-for-4 with five RBIs, including a home run and a triple. A. Cole also contributed significantly with two hits, two RBIs, and a triple.
USC Salkehatchie managed to put two runs on the board in the second inning, thanks to contributions from V. Williams and L. Fleming. However, their efforts were not enough to counter USC Union’s relentless attack. The visitors struggled to generate consistent offense, accumulating only five hits throughout the game.
On the mound, USC Union’s J. Heitman delivered a strong performance, pitching four innings and allowing just one earned run on four hits, while striking out four batters. K. Downs-Pap closed the game with a scoreless fifth inning, securing the win for USC Union.
In contrast, USC Salkehatchie’s pitching staff faced difficulties containing USC Union’s hitters. T. Brigman, who pitched the first three innings, allowed 12 runs (eight earned) on 10 hits, while B. Hughey provided some relief with a scoreless fourth inning.
USC Union’s defense was solid, committing only one error and turning a double play, while USC Salkehatchie struggled with two errors that contributed to their defensive woes.
Game 2 – In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, USC Union secured a decisive 11-1 victory over USC Salkehatchie in their recent matchup on April 10, 2025. The game, held in Union, SC, showcased USC Union’s offensive prowess and solid pitching, leaving USC Salkehatchie struggling to keep up.
From the onset, USC Union took control of the game, scoring eight runs in the first inning alone. The team’s offensive strategy was highlighted by A. Cole, who not only contributed a home run but also drove in four runs throughout the game. Other key players included B. Stewart and S. Brown, each adding to the score with doubles and RBIs.
USC Union’s pitcher, K. Starns, delivered a strong performance, pitching four innings and allowing only four hits and one unearned run. Starns’ effective pitching was complemented by C. Chavis, who closed the game with a flawless inning, ensuring USC Salkehatchie had no opportunity for a comeback.
USC Salkehatchie struggled both offensively and defensively. Despite a commendable effort by K. McPherson, who brought in their sole RBI, the team was unable to mount a significant offensive threat. Defensive errors by E. Emmons and E. Weer further compounded their challenges, allowing USC Union to capitalize on mistakes.
The game concluded after five innings, with USC Union’s dominant performance underscoring their readiness and skill on the field. The victory serves as a testament to USC Union’s cohesive team dynamics and strategic gameplay, positioning them as a formidable contender in future matchups.
Game 3 – On April 11, 2025, USC Union showcased a commanding performance against USC Salkehatchie with a decisive 10-0 victory in a softball matchup held in Union, SC. The game, which concluded in just five innings, highlighted USC Union’s offensive prowess and solid pitching, leaving USC Salkehatchie scoreless.
USC Union set the tone early, scoring an impressive seven runs in the first inning. Key contributors to this offensive surge included E. Pelletier, who went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and A. Hoile, who also doubled and drove in two runs. A. Benfield added to the scoreboard with a 2-for-2 performance, including a double, an RBI, and a stolen base.
The pitching for USC Union was equally dominant. J. Heitman earned the win, pitching four innings and allowing only three hits while striking out four. M. Horton closed the game, maintaining the shutout by allowing just one hit over one inning.
USC Salkehatchie struggled to find their rhythm both offensively and defensively. Despite K. McPherson’s effort at the plate, going 2-for-2, the team was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. On the mound, McPherson faced a challenging start, giving up seven runs (six earned) without recording an out. B. Hughey stepped in for relief, pitching four innings and allowing three runs on eight hits.
The game was marked by USC Union’s efficiency and clean play, with no errors committed, in contrast to USC Salkehatchie’s lone error. The match concluded after five innings due to the run rule, reflecting USC Union’s dominance on the field.
Lady Bantams Sweep Montreat, Marking 100 Wins for Coach Royce
Game 1 – In an exciting college softball game held on April 14, 2025, USC Union emerged victorious against Montreat with a final score of 7-4. The game, played in Montreat, North Carolina, showcased a strong performance by the USC Union team, particularly in the later innings.
The game began with both teams struggling to score, remaining scoreless until Montreat took a narrow lead in the third inning. Montreat maintained their lead through the fourth and fifth innings, with a score of 3-1. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the sixth inning when USC Union exploded with five runs, turning the game in their favor. They added an insurance run in the seventh inning to seal their victory.
Key players for USC Union included R. Bouchard, who scored three runs and hit a triple, and K. Starns, who contributed both as a batter and a pitcher. Starns hit a home run and later took the mound to close the game, delivering two scoreless innings with one strikeout. J. Heitman also pitched effectively for USC Union, striking out eight over five innings while allowing just one earned run.
Offensively, USC Union’s A. Benfield drove in two runs, while A. Cole, C. Rumsey, B. Stewart, J. Davis, and K. Starns each contributed an RBI. Despite committing three errors, USC Union’s strategic plays, including a sacrifice bunt by B. Stewart and a sacrifice fly by C. Rumsey, helped them capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Montreat, despite their early lead, was unable to maintain their advantage. Their batters struggled against USC Union’s pitching, with no hits recorded in the final two innings against Starns. The Montreat pitchers faced challenges in the sixth inning, allowing USC Union’s decisive five-run rally.
This game marks 100 wins for USC Union’s head softball coach, William Royce!
Game 2 – April 14, 2025, Montreat, NC – In a thrilling and high-scoring contest, USC Union emerged victorious against Montreat with a final score of 25-14. The game, held at Montreat, saw both teams showcasing their offensive prowess, but it was USC Union’s explosive second and fourth innings that sealed the win.
The game began with Montreat taking an early lead, scoring six runs in the first inning. However, USC Union quickly responded with an impressive 10-run rally in the second inning, setting the tone for the rest of the match. USC Union continued to dominate, adding six runs in the third inning and another nine in the fourth, effectively putting the game out of Montreat’s reach.
USC Union’s offensive onslaught was led by catcher A. Davis, who had a standout performance with four hits, including two doubles, and five RBIs. Center fielder R. Bouchard also made a significant impact, driving in five runs. First baseman A. Cole and third baseman A. Benfield contributed with two RBIs each, while shortstop S. Brown and pitcher K. Starns added one RBI each.
Despite the loss, Montreat displayed resilience, notably scoring seven runs in the third inning. However, they were unable to capitalize further, as USC Union’s pitching staff, led by K. Downs-Pap (W, 1-0) and M. Horton (Sv, 1), managed to contain their offense in the latter innings.
Overall, the matchup was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of softball, with both teams delivering memorable performances in a game that will be remembered for its remarkable scoring and competitive spirit.
The Bantam Blog 