USC Union vs USC Sumter, April 25
Game 1:
In a compelling showcase of collegiate softball, USC Union secured a decisive 4-0 win against USC Sumter on April 25, 2025. The game, held in Union, SC, demonstrated USC Union’s superior performance both offensively and defensively.
USC Union took an early lead, scoring in the first inning and maintaining their momentum throughout the game. The team added another run in the third inning and two more in the fourth, solidifying their advantage. E. Pelletier and R. Bouchard were instrumental in this effort, each scoring a run. Pelletier also contributed a double and a stolen base, showcasing his versatility and speed on the field.
The pitching prowess of J. Heitman was a critical factor in USC Union’s victory. Heitman pitched five innings, allowing only two hits and striking out four batters, effectively stifling USC Sumter’s offensive efforts. Despite facing 23 batters, Heitman maintained composure and control, ensuring a shutout win for his team.
USC Sumter struggled to find their footing, managing only two hits throughout the game. J. Lindler and E. Hagan were the lone batters to secure hits for the team. A. Hooks pitched a complete game for USC Sumter, allowing four hits and four runs, though none were earned due to fielding errors by O. Kirkman, A. Watts, and D. Greene.
The game was marked by USC Sumter’s defensive errors, which contributed to their inability to contain USC Union’s offense. Despite a strong pitching effort from Hooks, the lack of support from the field proved costly.
Overall, USC Union’s strategic play and solid defense, coupled with Heitman’s excellent pitching, were key to their victory.
Game 2: In a one-sided affair on April 25, 2025, USC Union delivered a stellar performance against USC Sumter, securing an 11-0 victory in a game that highlighted their offensive prowess and pitching dominance.
The matchup, held in Union, SC, saw USC Union take an early lead and maintain their momentum throughout the game. The home team scored four runs in the first inning, setting the tone for an offensive onslaught that USC Sumter could not counter. By the end of the fifth inning, USC Union had accumulated 11 runs, while USC Sumter remained scoreless.
– **USC Union Offense:** USC Union’s lineup was relentless, amassing 12 hits and 9 RBIs. R. Bouchard was a standout performer, going 3-for-3 with a triple and a home run, driving in three runs. A. Benfield also contributed significantly with three hits and three RBIs. The team demonstrated excellent baserunning, with J. Davis stealing three bases.
**Pitching Excellence:**
– **K. Starns of USC Union:** Starns was exceptional on the mound, pitching a complete game shutout over five innings. He allowed just one hit and struck out seven batters, showcasing his dominance and control.
USC Union’s comprehensive performance underscored their superiority in this matchup, as they outplayed USC Sumter in every aspect. With strong offensive contributions and a commanding pitching display, USC Union secured a decisive victory.
The Lady Bantams celebrated their sophomore players at their last home game!
Abby Benfield is a pitcher from Jonesville, SC. She graduated from Union County High School. A fun fact about Abby is her favorite team is the South Carolina Gamecocks. Her favorite quote is “God is in control.” Abby is the daughter of Tommy and Meredith Benfield. After graduating from USC Union, she plans to attend SCC where she will major in sonography.
Bailey Stewart is a shortstop from Newberry, SC. She is a graduate of Mid Carolina High School and played for Carolina Aftershock travel ball team. Some fun facts about Bialey are that she is an aunt of three and that dill pickles are her favorite food. Her favorite quote is “God is withing her, she will not fall – Psalms 46:5”. Bailey is the daughter of Tara and Greg Stewart. She will attend Newberry College where she will pursue her Bachelor’s in nursing.
Ashlee Hoile is an outfielder from Blythewood, SC. She is a graduate of Blythewood High School. Some fun facts about Ashlee are that she is an Alabama fan and that her favorite TV show is Outer Banks. Her favorite quote is “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose – Romans 8:28”. Ashlee is the daughter of Brian and MaryPaul Hoile. After graduation, she will attend USC Aiken where she will study sports management.
Jayda Davis is a pitcher/outfielder from Monroe, NC. She is a graduated from Parkwood High School and played travel ball with Carolina Elite. A fun fact about Jayda is that she loves Mexican and Japanese food and that her favorite television show is Bridgerton. Jayda’s favorite quote is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13”. Jayda is the daughter of Jamie and Shannon Davis. After graduating from USC Union, she will attend South Piedmont Community College where she will train to become an ultrasound tech.
“I truly love and appreciate ALL this sophomore class has done for the USC Union Softball program. They leave the program as the winningest class with over 55 wins,” said Head Coach William Royce. “In addition to wins, this group has exceeded expectations in the classroom earning President’s and Dean’s Lists, Academic All-American Honors in NJCAA, First and Second Team NFCA Scholar Athletes, and Top 10 GPA in the Nation. Jayda, Bailey, Ashlee and Abby absolutely embraced the vision and mission of ‘Setting The Standard!’. We are going to miss these Bantams next year.”
NJCAA Region 10 Tournament, May 1-2
USC Union vs. USC Sumter
In a commanding performance on May 2, 2025, USC Union triumphed over USC Sumter with an 11-1 victory in a collegiate softball matchup held at Tiger River. The game, which started at 11:00 AM, saw USC Union dominate both offensively and defensively, capitalizing on a massive fourth inning to secure the win.
USC Sumter took an early lead in the first inning, scoring their only run of the game. However, USC Union quickly responded in the second inning to tie the game. The fourth inning proved pivotal, as USC Union unleashed a scoring barrage, racking up ten runs to put the game well out of reach for USC Sumter. The offensive explosion was highlighted by standout performances from several USC Union players.
K. Starns was particularly impressive, both on the mound and at the plate. Starns pitched four innings, allowing just one unearned run on three hits and one walk, while striking out none. Offensively, Starns contributed significantly, going 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, and three RBIs, demonstrating versatility and skill in both aspects of the game.
Other notable contributions came from A. Cole, who drove in two runs, and A. Hoile, who added two RBIs of his own. B. Stewart and S. Brown also chipped in with one RBI each, with Brown stealing a base as well. The team collectively amassed 12 hits, showcasing their depth and ability to produce runs throughout the lineup.
USC Union’s relief pitcher, C. Chavis, closed out the game with a solid inning, maintaining the shutout innings and ensuring the victory was sealed without any further scoring from USC Sumter.
USC Union vs Flo-Dar
In a commanding display, USC Union triumphed over Florence-Darlington with a decisive 5-0 victory in their matchup on May 2, 2025. The game, held at Tiger River, showcased USC Union’s robust offense and impenetrable defense, as they outperformed their opponents in every aspect.
The game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when USC Union broke the deadlock with a four-run surge. This offensive burst was spearheaded by R. Bouchard, who drove in three runs, and A. Benfield and A. Davis, who each contributed an RBI. USC Union’s strategic play continued into the fifth inning, adding another run to solidify their lead.
USC Union’s pitcher, J. Heitman, delivered an exceptional performance, pitching a complete game shutout. Heitman allowed only three hits and one walk while striking out four batters, effectively neutralizing Florence-Darlington’s offense. This dominant display earned Heitman the win, marking his record at 0-0 for the season.
Florence-Darlington struggled to find their rhythm against USC Union’s formidable defense. Despite S. Sherman’s efforts, who managed two hits, the team couldn’t convert opportunities into runs. M. Kubas pitched for Florence-Darlington, allowing ten hits and five earned runs over six innings, with three walks and no strikeouts.
USC Union’s lineup demonstrated depth and versatility, with key contributions from E. Pelletier, who scored once and hit twice, and J. Davis, who also added two hits. The team’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident as they left no runners on base, contrasting with Florence-Darlington’s inability to bring runners home.
The Lady Bantams finish this season with 10 players recieving NJCAA All-Region Honors.
1st Team All-Region:
Kylie Starns, Abby Benfield, Allie Cole
2nd Team All-Region:
June Heitman, Bailey Stewart, Jayda Davis, Raphaelle Bouchard
Region 10 All-Tournament Team:
Kylie Starns, June Heitman, Ashlee Hoile
Coach William Royce recieved the award for 2025 Coach of the Year.
The Bantam Blog 