ATHENS, GA (WACH) — The South Carolina Gamecocks are advancing in the SEC Tournament after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 6-2.
Alabama struck early with a 2-0 lead in the first inning, sparked by a leadoff solo home run from Audrey Vandagriff off South Carolina pitcher Sam Gress.
However, the Gamecocks quickly responded. In the bottom of the first, they trimmed the lead to 2-1 after loading the bases, beginning with a double from Karley Shelton. Shelton eventually scored on a groundout by Ella Chancey.
In the third inning, Chancey delivered again, tying the game with an RBI double.
South Carolina took control in the fifth when Arianna Rodi launched a two-run home run, giving the Gamecocks a 4-2 lead and tying the program’s single-season home run record with her 15th. She later broke that record with another two-run shot, bringing her season total to 16.
Defensive highlights came from both sides, including standout infield plays by Brooke Blankenship of South Carolina and Alabama’s Salen Hawkins.
After the shaky start, Gress, along with reliever Jori Heard, kept Alabama scoreless the rest of the way.
The Gamecocks now advance to face Texas A&M in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
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