News Summary
The No. 8 South Carolina softball team has advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time since 2018, hosting the No. 9 UCLA Bruins at Carolina Softball Stadium. After a dominant 3-0 run in the Columbia Regional, the Gamecocks face this prestigious challenge beginning May 23. This marks their third Super Regional appearance and highlights the team’s resurgence in competitive collegiate softball. Ticket sales for the exciting series have already begun, reflecting strong community support as the team aims for a spot in the Women’s College World Series.
Columbia, South Carolina – The No. 8 South Carolina softball team (43-15) has advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time since 2018 and will host the No. 9 UCLA Bruins (52-10) at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field. The highly anticipated best-of-three series will kick off on May 23, running through May 25, making this event a significant milestone for the Gamecocks.
The Gamecocks earned their Super Regional berth after an impressive performance in the Columbia Regional, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record. Their regional campaign concluded with an 8-0 victory over North Florida on May 18. This winning streak not only propelled South Carolina into the Super Regionals but also marked their first time hosting such an event since the NCAA introduced the Super Regional format in 2005.
This will be the Gamecocks’ third-ever appearance in the Super Regionals, with earlier showings in 2007 and 2018. The matchup against UCLA is expected to be intense, given the Bruins’ rich history in NCAA softball, including 12 national championships and 32 appearances in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS).
Details of the Super Regional Series
The best-of-three series against UCLA will commence with Game 1 on Friday, May 23, at 1 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN. Game 2 has been scheduled for Saturday, May 24, also at 1 p.m. ET. Should the series extend to a Game 3, the timing will be announced later. This series is a high-stakes opportunity for both teams, showcasing the top contenders in collegiate softball.
Postseason Insights
UCLA secured their spot in the Super Regionals after dominating their hosted regional, finishing off UC Santa Barbara with a remarkable 12-1 win. The Bruins are led by head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, who brings substantial experience with a strong focus on tournament success.
On the other hand, South Carolina’s rise in the postseason has been under the leadership of first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard. The Gamecocks set a new program record with 39 wins during the regular season, the highest achieved by a coach in their inaugural year. Despite a setback in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, the team was selected as a top-eight seed for the NCAA Tournament, reinforcing their competitive edge.
Gamecocks’ Stellar Performance
Throughout the regional play, South Carolina displayed resilience and skill, securing victories with a combination of strategic late-game rallies and standout pitching performances, particularly from pitchers Sam Gress and Jori Heard. These pitching efforts complemented the exceptional offensive display led by Arianna Rodi, who boasts a .336 batting average, a .0936 on-base percentage, 53 RBIs, and 17 home runs this season.
Historical Context
The historical significance of this Super Regional appearance cannot be understated. South Carolina last reached the WCWS in 1997, with earlier appearances in 1983 and 1987. The program has had a notable presence in collegiate softball since the AIAW years before 1981, and this advancement in 2023 highlights a return to competitiveness on the national stage.
Ticket Information
Ticket sales for the Super Regional series began on May 20. Fans can purchase single-game and all-session tickets through various ticketing platforms, showcasing the growing support for the Gamecocks as they aim to secure a spot in the Women’s College World Series.
The upcoming series against UCLA promises to be an exciting chapter in South Carolina softball, as the Gamecocks strive to advance further into the postseason and capture national attention.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UCLA Softball Advances to Super Regionals with Dominant Win
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Softball
- WIS TV
- Google Search: South Carolina softball ucla super regional
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: South Carolina softball history
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
