USC softball team on a roll heading into NCAA Regionals

For the South Carolina softball team, traveling to the Tallahassee Regional for the third time might be the charm.

The Gamecocks, who finished the season with a 36-21 record, will play South Florida (44-14) Friday in the first round of the NCAA Regionals.

Coach Beverly Smith and her team were eliminated by USF in 2014 and by Central Florida in 2015, both at the Tallahassee Regional.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to compete and win the regional,” Smith said. “It’s been our goal all season to get to supers (regionals).”

Although the Gamecocks beat the Bulls 7-1 in the second game of the regular season, they are not overlooking their opponent.

“South Florida has done nothing but improve this season,” Smith said. “We saw them early this year and they’ve just been on a constant incline so we’re not overlooking South Florida.

“They’re the two-seed going into this tournament so we’ve got to play well. Just as anyone does to win the Regional, you’ve got to be playing great ball. We’ve got to get South Florida first and then look to good Florida A&M and FSU teams.”

South Carolina pitcher Nickie Blue will make the start against USF on Friday. She collected her first save of the year against the Bulls, throwing three shutout innings and three strikeouts.

“We’ve played a lot of teams and a lot of players since them, but I do remember that they were pretty fast,” Blue said. “We’ve seen every type of hitter they have. We’ve seen the big power girls who really fill up the box, and we’ve seen the small, slapper girls who are super fast down the line so I really think we are prepared for anything.”

Many members of the team agree, including senior outfielder Alaynie Page. Page has played in the NCAA Tournament in all of her four years with USC, but has never made it past the Regional round.

“For me, it’s a little chip on my shoulder,” Page said. “I want to play FSU at their stadium and beat them at their stadium, so I think it’s a great opportunity for our team to showcase what we’ve got.”

After a big comeback win at Missouri in the SEC Tournament, USC is going into the NCAA Tournament with a confident mindset. Smith, who has led USC to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, believes this team might have the best chance to advance to Super Regionals.

“I think this is as prepared as we have been. Our energy level is great,” Smith said. “We’re healthy and the girls are out of school right now so they’re just ball players, which is the perfect time of year to go in and do that. I just like our mentality right now and the confidence that we’re playing with.”