South Carolina softball eliminated from NCAA Tournament after second Durham Regional loss to Duke
The South Carolina softball team needed a big moment to galvanize its postseason hopes. In the Gamecocks’ first game on Sunday afternoon, that moment came on an early grand slam from Aniyah Black, which helped them secure a 5-1 win.
South Carolina (36-24, 8-16 SEC) spent much of its second contest of the afternoon looking for a big, difference-making play. But the Gamecocks were unable to find one, or avenge a defeat to Duke earlier in the NCAA Tournament, in a 10-1 loss that eliminated South Carolina from postseason contention in the Durham Regional final.
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Duke (50-6, 20-4 ACC) emerged as the more threatening team from an offensive standpoint early in the game. South Carolina’s starting pitcher, Alana Vawter, walked two straight batters to load the bases with two outs in the first inning. But Vawter was able to escape the jam, forcing Gisele Tapia to strike out swinging to end the frame.
Vawter would recover from her early lack of command but struggled overall in her final collegiate start in the circle. She threw 6.1 innings and allowed six runs (including four earned), eight hits and five walks. She struck out four batters in the process.
Vawter would find herself in another jam in the fourth inning, though. And it was not one she was able to get through without suffering some damage.
The Gamecocks looked to have a strong defensive start to the frame after Giulia Desiderio picked up a bunt in front of home plate and started a double play. The play was reviewed and the call was overturned, allowing Jada Baker to return to the plate.
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Later in the at bat, Baker would reach first base and advance to second on a throwing error. That error proved to be costly, as a Francesca Frelick single would bring two runs home to score and give Duke an early lead.
But South Carolina found a quick answer in the bottom of the frame. Zoe Laneaux led off the inning with a double down the right-field line. One batter later, Jen Cummings’ attempt to advance Laneaux to another base would ultimately bring her home to score and make it a 2-1 game.
That was all the Gamecocks would muster from a run-scoring standpoint, though. South Carolina finished the game with just five total hits, only one of which went for extra bases. The Blue Devils’ pitching duo — Cassidy Curd and Jala Wright — also combined to strike out 11 batters.
Duke’s offense would eventually put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh inning. The Blue Devils scored eight runs on eight hits and batted around the whole lineup to all but solidify their advancement to the next round.
Up next: With the loss, South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament run is officially over. Duke will face the winner of Missouri and Omaha in the Super Regional round.
