No. 11 South Carolina Softball Dominates Clemson, Continues Strong Season Momentum

A major milestone for South Carolina softball was reached last night, as they claimed a decisive 6-0 victory over Clemson in the first game of the two-game Palmetto Series.

Nealy Lamb was the standout on the mound, delivering five shutout innings, while Arianna Rodi set the tone early with a big offensive showing. This win marks the Gamecocks’ second victory in the last three matchups against Clemson, a significant shift after a five-game losing streak to the Tigers before last season.

South Carolina head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard couldn’t hide her excitement following the victory: “To have a win like that against Clemson, you feel like it’s for the fans, for the community, and everyone that’s supported us ever since day one,” she said. “It’s really special, and the way we won the game makes it a little sweeter.”

For Chastain Woodard, this win held personal significance. While she played at South Carolina, the Tigers didn’t have a softball team back then. Securing her first win against Clemson as the Gamecocks’ head coach was an unforgettable moment. “I think this is the best rivalry in college sports,” she remarked. “It’s really special for me to feel that in the dugout and as a coach. It’s just something in the air for that game. It’s special and I will never forget it.”

Lamb, a native of Cades, South Carolina, and former Charleston Southern player, recognized the importance of the game. Growing up a Gamecock fan, she only learned earlier that day she’d be starting. “I didn’t know I was going to start but I really wanted to start,” Lamb said. “Clemson is a big rivalry for us, and just being able to go out there and do my job and help my team win is huge for me.”

Coach Chastain Woodard praised Lamb’s performance, noting her contribution was key to the win. “Nealy (Lamb) got us there with six outs left,” Chastain Woodard said. “She gave us her heart. She was 8 years old and learning a rise ball, dreaming of pitching in this game.”

South Carolina, with an impressive 25-6 record, has been a surprising force this season. After starting the year unranked, they’ve climbed to No. 11 in both the ESPN and D1 Softball polls. Their early-season success includes a school-record 20-game winning streak and series victories over three Top 15 teams—Duke, Georgia, and Texas Tech. Despite tough losses to No. 2 Oklahoma in early March, the Gamecocks have rebounded strong, winning five of their last seven games.

The Southeastern Conference remains tough, with the latest polls showing the top five teams and 12 ranked squads. Chastain Woodard emphasized the challenges ahead: “It doesn’t get easier, week by week,” she said. “We’re far from the Oklahoma game at this point.”

Now, turning to the game itself—this one was practically over before most fans even settled into their seats. Lamb was dominant in the top of the first, retiring Clemson in order. South Carolina then jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in their half. Quincee Lilio led off with a hard-hit ball that couldn’t be fielded, followed by Karley Shelton drawing a walk. Then Arianna Rodi stepped up and launched her team-best 11th home run over the left-center TV deck to give the Gamecocks an early commanding lead.

“I took in all the moments from early in the year and just realized hitting was just like riding a bike. I felt comfortable,” Rodi shared after the game. “We put a stamp on it in the first inning; it’s always a good thing. It showed them we wanted to control the tempo and how it’s going to go.”

Rodi, who extended her streak of reaching base to 23 consecutive games, wasn’t done. She added a sacrifice fly for another run, while Shelton contributed two RBIs in a well-rounded offensive effort that produced eight hits for South Carolina.

The Gamecocks and Tigers will face off again on April 15th in Clemson, but before that, South Carolina will head to Baton Rouge for a tough series against No. 3 LSU. The upcoming schedule is as follows:

• Friday: at No. 3 LSU, 6 p.m.
• Saturday: at No. 3 LSU, 7 p.m.
• Sunday: at No. 3 LSU, 2 p.m.