May 12, 2025

USC Upstate Softball Wins Big South Championship

News Summary

USC Upstate Softball clinched the Big South Championship with a 7-4 victory over Winthrop University, earning a spot in the NCAA Regionals. The Spartans dominated early, building a significant lead and holding off a late comeback attempt by Winthrop. Several USC Upstate players, including Maddie Drerup, were recognized for their exceptional performances during the tournament. The selection of the NCAA Regional Tournament schedule will be announced on May 11, providing fans with more details about the upcoming games.

Spartanburg, South Carolina – USC Upstate Softball has claimed the 2025 Big South Championship by defeating Winthrop University 7-4 in a decisive match, securing their spot in the NCAA Regionals. This championship game marked a rematch following the previous year’s Big South Conference Tournament, with USC Upstate needing just one win to clinch the title while Winthrop aimed to secure two victories.

USC Upstate set the tone early in the game, starting off strong with a lead-off double from Oregon native Denver Lauer. Soon after, Alanna Deal drew a walk, creating an opportunity for the Spartans to score. Sophia Kardatzke initiated the scoring with an RBI single, placing USC Upstate ahead 1-0. The hitting continued as Carson Shaw recorded a hit that drove in both Kardatzke and Lauer, extending the lead to 3-0.

A fielding error by Winthrop allowed Abigail Pippen to reach safely, resulting in another run as Shaw crossed home plate, making it 4-0. Later in the inning, Abby Polk‘s base hit and a sacrifice bunt by Emily Stern increased the score to 5-0 by letting Pippen advance home. Winthrop faced further setbacks when another fielding error allowed Polk to score, pushing the lead to 6-0 for USC Upstate.

On the defensive side, Maddie Drerup excelled in the pitcher’s circle, striking out a Winthrop batter and keeping them scoreless through the first two innings of play. The game progressed to the third inning, where Liza Simmerson hit a notable two-out double, increasing Upstate’s lead to 7-1.

As the match carried on, Winthrop attempted a comeback in the sixth inning, featuring a two-run homer that narrowed the score to 7-4. However, the Spartans held their ground and wrapped up the game with a groundout followed by a foul ball caught by Amie Johnson, sealing their championship victory.

Following the game, four USC Upstate players were recognized for their outstanding performances and named to the All-Tournament Team, including Emily Stern, Alanna Deal, Carson Shaw, and Maddie Drerup. Drerup had an exceptional tournament, earning the title of tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) after securing two wins during the Championship games against Longwood and Winthrop.

The All-Tournament Team comprised additional players such as Megan Powell, Lonna Addison, and Emma Jackson from Winthrop, alongside representatives from Radford and Longwood. This recognition showcases the talent displayed throughout the Championship.

With their championship win, USC Upstate has officially secured a place in the NCAA Regionals. Fans and supporters can look forward to more specifics regarding the tournament schedule, which will be released on May 11th at 7:00 PM in conjunction with the NCAA Softball Selection Show.

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