#19 South Carolina Gamecocks Host Garnet & Black Invitational

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The #19 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks softball team is set to host the Garnet & Black Invitational from February 27 through March 1, welcoming Marist, Queens University of Charlotte, and UAB to Carolina Softball Stadium.

Tournament Schedule

Here’s a gaze at the complete schedule for the Garnet & Black Invitational:

• Friday, February 27
• 12:00 PM – UAB vs. Marist
• 2:30 PM – UAB vs. Queens
• 5:00 PM – South Carolina vs. Marist
• Saturday, February 28
• 10:00 AM – Queens vs. UAB
• 12:30 PM – South Carolina vs. UAB
• 3:00 PM – South Carolina vs. Marist
• 5:30 PM – Marist vs. Queens
• Sunday, March 1
• 10:00 AM – UAB vs. Marist
• 12:30 PM – South Carolina vs. Queens
• 3:00 PM – South Carolina vs. Queens

Team Standings & Key Information

South Carolina Gamecocks (11-5, 0-0 SEC)

• Coach: Ashley Woodard (2nd Season)
• AVG Leader: Quincee Lilio (.452)
• RBI Leader: Karley Shelton (20)
• Home Run Leader: Arianna Rodi (5)
• ERA Leader: Jori Heard (1.22)
• Strikeout Leader: Emma Friedel (30)
• Wins Leader: Emma Friedel (5)

Marist Red Foxes (5-8, 0-0 MAAC)

• Coach: Joe Ausanio (18th Season)
• Series History: South Carolina leads 1-0
• Last Meeting: South Carolina 2, Marist 1 (May 20, 2023, Tallahassee, Fla.)

Queens University of Charlotte Royals (2-5, 0-0 ASUN)

• Coach: Kella Armstrong (2nd Season)
• Series History: First Meeting

UAB Blazers (7-8, 0-0 AAC)

• Coach: Taylor Smartt (1st Season)
• Series History: South Carolina leads 1-0
• Last Meeting: South Carolina 5, UAB 0 (Feb. 16, 2002, Columbia)

Gamecocks’ Recent Performance

The Gamecocks are coming off the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, where they went 2-3, defeating Washington and Saint Mary’s while facing tough competition from #9 UCLA, #10 Nebraska, and #18 Oregon.

Carolina Softball Stadium

Since its construction in 2013, South Carolina boasts a 286-112 (.719) record at Carolina Softball Stadium. The team has consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in attendance, and has protected its home field well, achieving 17 or more home victories in each of the past 11 full seasons.

Non-Conference Success

Over the past nine years, South Carolina has a strong 312-83 (.790) record in non-conference games, with notable wins against teams like Washington, Clemson, and Texas.

Tournament History

The Gamecocks have a 51-8 record in the Garnet & Black Invitational over the past seven seasons. Including other home tournaments, they are 101-11 in their last 112 home tournament games.

South Carolina Historical Record

In its 53 years of history, South Carolina softball has a record of 1,749-958-7 (.646). The team has achieved 30 or more wins in 10 of the last 12 full seasons.

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.