Gamecocks Advance to NCAA Regional Final with Win Over UNF
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 8 seed South Carolina softball team (42-15) used late inning heroics to power a 3-0 win over North Florida (46-14) Saturday (May 17) at Carolina Softball Stadium in the Winner’s Bracket game of the NCAA Columbia Regional.
The game began a pitcher’s duel, with both teams going scoreless through five innings. Sam Gress got the start for the Gamecocks, scattering six hits, three walks and four strikeouts over a scoreless 4 2-3 innings. Jori Heard (18-4) entered the circle in the fourth and pitched a clean game the rest of the way, giving up no hits and no runs.
The Carolina offense came alive in the sixth inning. Arianna Rodi drew a one-out walk. Ella Chancey doubled down the right field line, as pinch runner Chloe Lackey rounded third, she was able to score on a throwing error to put the Gamecocks on the board.
The Ospreys initiated a pitching change after a walk to Brooke Blankenship put runners on the corners. North Florida surrendered another walk to Abigail Knight that loaded the bases for Emma Sellers. Sellers singled through the left side to plate Chancey and Blankenship and give Carolina a 3-0 lead.
Heard made quick work of UNF in the seventh, sending them down in order to advance Carolina to the Regional Final.
The Gamecocks will look to win the Columbia Regional Sunday and advance to Super Regionals with an opponent to be determined following the final two games on Saturday. The first game Sunday will begin at 1 p.m. at Carolina Softball Stadium. A second, if necessary, game will follow immediately after.
The South Carolina Gamecocks softball team secured a spot in the NCAA Columbia Regional final with a 3-0 victory over the North Florida Ospreys on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Carolina Softball Stadium. This win propelled the Gamecocks to a 42-15 record, showcasing their resilience and depth in a tightly contested matchup.
The game commenced as a pitcher’s duel, with both teams remaining scoreless through the first five innings. South Carolina’s Sam Gress started the game, delivering a commendable performance by scattering six hits, issuing three walks, and recording four strikeouts over 4â…” innings. Jori Heard (17-4) entered in relief and maintained the shutout, retiring all batters faced without allowing a hit or a run. Heard’s clean performance was instrumental in preserving the Gamecocks’ lead and securing the victory.
The Gamecocks’ offense broke through in the sixth inning. Arianna Rodi initiated the rally by drawing a one-out walk. Ella Chancey followed with a double down the right-field line. Pinch runner Chloe Lackey, who had replaced Rodi, advanced to third and scored on a throwing error, giving South Carolina a 1-0 lead. Chancey’s double not only contributed to the scoring but also tied the program record for the most doubles in a single season, matching the 95 set in 2019. late innings underscored the team’s depth and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
With the win, South Carolina advances to the regional final, where they will face North Florida once again on Sunday, May 18. The Ospreys, who have demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, will need to defeat the Gamecocks twice to claim the regional title. The upcoming matchup promises to be a compelling contest, as both teams vie for a spot in the NCAA Super Regionals.
South Carolina’s performance against North Florida highlighted their pitching strength and timely offense, essential components for success in the postseason. As they prepare for the regional final, the Gamecocks aim to continue their dominant play and advance further in the NCAA tournament.
The Gamecocks’ journey in the NCAA tournament reflects their commitment and determination, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Columbia Regional.
