USC softball wins three games in opening weekend tournament

At Tampa, Fla., senior Alaynie Page hit a two-run home run, and South Carolina junior pitchers Nickie Blue and Jessica Elliott combined for a two-hit shutout Sunday of Illinois State (1-4) in a 3-0 win to close out the Gamecocks’ time in the USF Wilson Demarini Tournament.

The Gamecocks (3-1) earned wins this weekend over Virginia Tech and host South Florida, falling to Michigan in the season opener.

Page’s home run Sunday was her 25th career blast and ranks her No. 2 in USC history.

The Gamecocks’ home opener is against North Carolina (2-3) at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field.