USC Sumter Opens Conference Play Against USC Union

USC Sumter Opens Conference Play Against USC Union
Box Score Box Score
March 6, 2026

UNION, S.C. – The USC Sumter Fire Ants opened conference play Sunday with a doubleheader against USC Union. Despite strong moments offensively and a competitive effort in the circle, the Fire Ants fell in both games to the Lady Bantams.

Game 1: USC Union 11, USC Sumter 3

USC Union jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Leah Taylor singled to drive in the first run of the game before Olivia Prokopchuk followed with a two-run home run to center field to give the Lady Bantams a 3-0 advantage.

The Fire Ants responded in the top of the second inning with back-to-back solo home runs. Emma Wargel launched a home run to center field before Emma Gaulden followed with a solo shot to left field to cut the deficit to 3-2.

USC Union answered in the bottom of the second inning, adding two more runs after Taylor drew a walk and Allie Cole singled to extend the lead. The Lady Bantams continued to add to their advantage throughout the game, highlighted by an RBI single from Ariana Evans in the third inning.

Whitney McElveen and Sienna Levy each recorded two hits to lead the Fire Ants offensively. Emma Wargel, Emma Gaulden, and Whitney McElveen each recorded an RBI.

Abigail Hooks took the loss for USC Sumter, striking out two over two innings of work.

Game 2: USC Union 2, USC Sumter 0

The second game of the doubleheader featured a strong pitching performance from both teams in a tightly contested matchup.

USC Union broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning when Ariana Evans doubled down the left field line to drive in the first run. Meredith Thompson later added another run with a sacrifice bunt to give the Lady Bantams a 2-0 lead.

USC Sumter threatened several times throughout the game but was unable to push a run across the plate.

Abigail Hooks delivered a strong performance in the circle for the Fire Ants, pitching a complete game while allowing just two runs and striking out three.

Five Fire Ants recorded hits in the contest, including Kaitlyn Anderson, Lamonika Sims, Emma Wargel, Anabel Ramirez, and Hailee Tessner.

Defensively, USC Sumter played a clean game, committing no errors. Ramirez led the team with eight defensive chances.

Up Next

The Fire Ants will look to bounce back as they continue conference play in their next matchup against Gaston College on 3/6/2026.