News Summary
The South Carolina Gamecocks softball team, ranked No. 8, has reached the Super Regionals for the first time since 2018 after an impressive 8-0 win against North Florida. They completed the Columbia Regional with a perfect 3-0 record and will face No. 9 UCLA in a best-of-three series at Carolina Softball Stadium. With this milestone, the Gamecocks aim to qualify for the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 1997. The team’s remarkable performance under first-year coach Ashley Chastain Woodard highlights their potential on the national stage.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Gamecocks softball team, ranked No. 8 nationally, has secured its place in the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018 following a decisive 8-0 victory against North Florida in the Columbia Regional final. With this win, South Carolina completed the Columbia Regional with an impressive 3-0 record, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
The Super Regional will take place at Carolina Softball Stadium, Beckham Field, where the Gamecocks will face a formidable opponent in No. 9 UCLA. This matchup promises to be a highly competitive series; it will be a best-of-three format, with the victor advancing to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS). The scheduled games are set for May 23 at 1 p.m. on ESPN2, May 24 at 1 p.m., and if necessary, a Game 3 on May 25, with its time still to be announced.
This appearance marks only the third time in the history of the program that South Carolina has reached this stage. Their previous Super Regional trips were in 2017 and 2018. The Gamecocks have not qualified for the WCWS since 1997, with their only other appearances dating back to 1983 and 1987. Heading into the Super Regional, South Carolina boasts a commendable record of 43-15.
In the Columbia Regional, the Gamecocks displayed a commanding performance, securing victories that included a 5-2 win against Elon and two shutouts against North Florida (3-0 and 8-0). This successful run is testament to the team’s resilience and skill, particularly under first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard, who has achieved the most wins by a first-year coach in program history with a total of 39 regular season victories.
Despite a setback in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, the Gamecocks were selected as the final top-eight seed in the NCAA Tournament, allowing them the opportunity to compete at a higher level. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and determination, and the upcoming Super Regional is anticipated to showcase their capabilities on a national stage.
UCLA, the Gamecocks’ opponent in the Super Regional, also comes into this matchup with confidence after winning its regional by run-ruling UC Santa Barbara 12-1 in the final. The Bruins have an esteemed history in NCAA softball, boasting 12 national championships, the most in the sport’s history, which adds an extra layer of challenge for South Carolina.
Tickets for the Super Regional will be available to the public starting at 10 a.m. on the Tuesday prior to the series. Fans are encouraged to support the Gamecocks as they aim to secure their place in the Women’s College World Series.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Softball
- WISTV
- Google Search: South Carolina Gamecocks softball
- Gamecocks Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- USA Today
- Google News: South Carolina softball
