Colum, S.C. — In a tense showdown dominated by pitching, the No. 10/9 South Carolina softball team (29-7, 5-5 SEC) pulled off a dramatic 1-0 walk-off victory in the eighth inning over No. 19/20 Ole Miss (28-8, 5-5 SEC) on Friday night (April 4) at Carolina Softball Stadium.
Gamecocks ace Sam Gress turned in a stellar performance in her eighth start of the year, tossing 7.2 shutout innings while striking out seven — matching her season-high for the second consecutive weekend. Gress allowed just one walk and kept Ole Miss hitters quiet all night.
South Carolina’s defense played a vital role in the tightly contested battle. In the fifth inning, Gress calmly fielded a hard-hit comebacker to record the final out. Shortstop Brooke Blankenship added to the highlight reel with a spectacular play deep in the hole, firing a perfect throw to first in the sixth inning to keep the Rebels off the scoreboard.
Freshman Jori Heard (12-2) came on in relief with two outs in the top of the eighth and needed only one pitch to induce a flyout to center field, setting the stage for the Gamecocks’ walk-off.
In the bottom of the eighth, South Carolina’s patience at the plate paid off. Karley Shelton and Arianna Rodi each worked four-pitch walks, followed by another free pass to Ella Chancey to load the bases. Abigail Knight then drew the fourth consecutive walk of the inning — also on four pitches — forcing in pinch runner Nia McKnight for the game’s only run.
The Gamecocks finished the night with 10 total walks, just two shy of their single-game program record.
South Carolina will look to carry its momentum into game two of the series, set for noon tomorrow on SEC Network, as Alumnae Weekend festivities continue.
