Spartanburg, S.C. — The South Dakota Softball team faced a tough day against USC Upstate, losing both games of the doubleheader on Wednesday.
In the first game, the Coyotes started strong but couldn’t hold on. They quickly took a 4-0 lead thanks to solid hitting and a few mistakes from the Spartans. Tatum Villotta and Alyssa Thorson kicked things off with back-to-back singles. Villotta later scored from third on a sacrifice bunt by Clara Edwards. Then, a throwing error allowed two more runs to come home. After a single by Piper Ruhl, USD was looking good at 4-0 in the first inning.
However, the Coyotes struggled afterward, managing just four hits without scoring for the rest of the game. The Spartans loaded the bases in the third but McKenna Young got them out of the jam. Despite their efforts, Upstate scored a run in the fifth and then took the lead with four runs in the sixth, sealing the game at 5-4.
Brooke Carey stood out for the Yotes, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Unfortunately, McKenna Young took her third loss of the season, pitching 5.2 innings with four strikeouts.
In the second game, the Coyotes again took an early lead. McGee opened with a double, and Delaney White followed up with a bunt that drove her in. USD was up 2-1 after one inning when the Spartans responded, scoring three runs in both the third and fourth innings to pull ahead 7-3.
South Dakota struggled to get on the board later in the game, leaving several runners stranded. White had a solid performance, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
The Coyotes will have to rebound quickly. They’ll stay in Spartanburg for a three-game series against Wofford beginning Friday at 4 p.m. CT.
This doubleheader loss reflects a broader trend where college teams face fierce competition, especially in this fast-paced season. As of September 2023, nearly 30% of college softball teams have a record of .500 or better, indicating a rise in talent and competitiveness across divisions (NCAA Softball Statistics).
As teams gear up for the rest of the season, they are learning the importance of resilience and adaptability. With playoff spots on the line, every game counts. Keep an eye on the Coyotes as they strive to improve and find their rhythm in the coming weeks.
You can stay updated on the Coyotes by following South Dakota Athletics on their Facebook and Twitter.
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