South Carolina’s softball team defeated No. 11 Texas A&M by a score of 3-1 in the series opener on April 24, thanks to a three-run home run from Natalie Heath.
The victory came on Senior Night, when the Gamecocks honored eight seniors: Josey Marron, Sage Scarmardo, Lexi Winters, Arianna Rodi, Jamie Mackay, Natalie Heath, Jori Heard, and Quincee Lilio.
Pitcher Jori Heard earned her eleventh win of the season by allowing only one run in a complete game performance. Heard gave up seven hits and struck out five batters. Lexi Winters led the offense with two hits in two at-bats while Heath drove in all three runs for South Carolina.
In the bottom of the second inning, Tori Ensley singled and Kai Byars walked before Heath hit her first home run of the season over left center field on a 1-0 count. The Aggies scored their only run with a solo homer in the sixth inning but were unable to overcome South Carolina’s lead. In the final inning, Texas A&M loaded the bases with one out before Heard recorded her fifth strikeout to end the game.
The Gamecocks will continue their series against Texas A&M on Saturday at 1 p.m., with coverage available on SEC Network+.
