South Carolina Gamecocks Earn No. 8 Seed, Set to Host NCAA Softball Regional with Eyes on Women’s College World Series
For the second time under head coach Bev Smith, the South Carolina Gamecocks are set to host an NCAA Softball Regional, and this year, they do so as the No. 8 national seed. A consistent presence in the postseason picture throughout the 2025 campaign, the Gamecocks’ strong body of work — marked by SEC toughness, top-10 wins, and an unflinching team identity — has earned them the right to bring the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament home to Columbia.
This achievement reflects a season defined by both grit and growth. After falling just short of hosting duties last year, South Carolina came into this season determined to build a more complete resume, and the team delivered. The Gamecocks strung together quality wins over SEC powers and national contenders, held their own through one of the most demanding conference schedules in the country, and elevated their national standing with key road victories and a strong RPI. Hosting is not just a reward; it’s a statement of how far this program has come.
South Carolina’s rise to a top-eight seed was built on all phases of the game. Offensively, the Gamecocks found reliable power through the bat of junior infielder Alyssa Lunsford, who led the team in home runs and slugging percentage, and clutch production from senior catcher Jordan Fabian, whose leadership behind the plate is matched only by her timely hits at the plate. The team posted its highest run production since 2018, and several players emerged as threats on the base paths, adding a dimension of pressure to opposing defenses.
In the circle, South Carolina received a breakout season from sophomore ace Mackenzie Dugan, who posted a sub-2.00 ERA across more than 150 innings pitched. Her ability to locate her pitches and vary speeds kept hitters off-balance, while veteran reliever Leah Powell added stability in late-game situations. Together, the staff posted one of the lowest team ERAs in the SEC, a critical factor in close conference matchups.
Defensively, the Gamecocks were consistently sound, finishing among the national leaders in fielding percentage. Plays that may not show up in the box score — diving stops, timely tags at home, and perfectly executed double plays — defined South Carolina’s identity as a team that refuses to give away extra outs. Much of that defensive prowess is credited to the infield unit, led by sophomore shortstop Bella O’Neal, whose range and glove have earned national praise.
What sets this particular South Carolina team apart, however, may be the chemistry and competitive edge they’ve developed over the course of the season. Coach Smith’s squad embraced the underdog role early, despite their past postseason experience. The Gamecocks have not always been in the spotlight like their conference rivals Alabama, Florida, or LSU, but they have relished the opportunity to prove doubters wrong. That mentality has carried over into dramatic extra-inning victories, late-inning comebacks, and statement wins over nationally ranked opponents.
Hosting an NCAA Regional means South Carolina will play at least two postseason games at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field, one of the most energetic venues in college softball when filled to capacity. The Gamecocks faithful have long embraced their team’s fighting spirit, and now they will have the opportunity to witness the beginning of what South Carolina hopes will be a deep tournament run.
The bracket for the Columbia Regional includes three other teams — typically a mix of mid-major champions and strong at-large selections — all of whom will have to deal with the Gamecocks’ home-field advantage and postseason-tested roster. While the exact opponents and matchups will be revealed officially during the NCAA Selection Show, expectations are that South Carolina will face a strong test, as is customary for a No. 8 seed. But Smith and her team welcome the challenge.
It’s not the first time the Gamecocks have been on this stage under Smith, but it is the highest seed they’ve earned in more than a decade. The program hosted in 2018, advancing to the Super Regional round that year, and this 2025 team believes it has the experience, depth, and swagger to not only replicate that performance but to take the next step to Oklahoma City and the Women’s College World Series.
The Gamecocks’ hosting bid is also a reflection of the strength of the Southeastern Conference. With more than half the league typically qualifying for NCAA postseason play and several SEC teams earning top-16 national seeds, South Carolina’s ability to separate itself and earn a top-eight designation speaks volumes about the team’s trajectory. The SEC has long been considered a gauntlet, and surviving it with a record strong enough to host is a feat of resilience.
Veterans like Fabian and Powell have played crucial roles in guiding the younger players through the demands of a season with top-tier expectations. Fabian, who returned for a graduate season, has been vocal about how much it would mean to end her career with a championship push — something her teammates have rallied around. Her steady presence, along with that of other upperclassmen like outfielder Riley Blampied and third baseman Emma Sellers, has provided a calming influence during tight games and high-pressure moments.
Off the field, the Gamecocks have embraced a mindset centered around purpose and pride. Weekly meetings emphasize gratitude, focus, and the team’s larger goal — not just winning, but representing South Carolina with integrity and heart. That mentality, according to Coach Smith, is what makes this team special. It’s more than softball — it’s about building a culture that future Gamecocks will inherit and uphold.
Now, the eyes of the college softball world turn toward Columbia. The path to the Women’s College World Series is never easy, and hosting a regional guarantees nothing beyond the first pitch. But for the Gamecocks, this opportunity is about more than just winning games — it’s about showing that South Carolina softball belongs among the sport’s elite, and proving that the foundation built over the last few years is ready to support a run to greatness.
For fans, players, and coaches alike, this moment is a culmination of months of work, setbacks, celebrations, and sacrifices. From early-season non-conference road trips to the battles within the SEC, everything has built to this chance to defend their home turf with the season on the line.
The coaching staff has already begun game-planning and scouting potential opponents, and practices this week are expected to be sharp and focused. There’s an urgency in the air — not of panic, but of purpose. The team knows what’s at stake, and more importantly, knows what it’s capable of achieving.
Win or lose, the Regional weekend will be a celebration of how far South Carolina softball has come — and a reminder that, with the right mix of talent, toughness, and togetherness, the road to the Women’s College World Series might just run through Columbia.
