USC Sumter Defeats Penn State Mont Alto 6–3

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - USC Sumter earned a solid 6–3 victory over Penn State Mont Alto on Friday, using a strong offensive performance and a complete game in the circle from Abigail Hooks.

USC SUMTER 6, PENN STATE MONT ALTO 3

USC Sumter struck first in the top of the second inning when Valeria Velez lined out to bring home the game's opening run. Penn State Mont Alto answered in the bottom of the third, taking a 3–1 lead after a three-run double from the middle of the lineup.

The Fire Ants responded in the fifth inning to regain control of the game. Kaitlyn Anderson drove in a run with a lineout, Emma Gaulden followed with an RBI single to right field, and Tatum Swearingen added an RBI double down the left field line to push USC Sumter back in front.

Abigail Hooks delivered a strong outing in the circle to secure the win. The right-hander pitched all seven innings, allowing six hits and three runs — only one earned — while striking out seven and walking three.

Offensively, USC Sumter totaled 13 hits on the day. Tatum Swearingen led the team from the eighth spot in the lineup, going 3-for-4 at the plate. Eliya Hagan and Hailee Tessner each recorded multiple hits, helping fuel the Fire Ants' offensive attack.

Several players contributed RBIs for USC Sumter, including Abigail McManus, Swearingen, Anderson, Gaulden, and Anabel Ramirez.

Penn State Mont Alto was led offensively by their third baseman, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while two players recorded multiple hits. The team also turned two double plays defensively.

With the win, USC Sumter showcased both depth at the plate and consistency in the circle, securing an important victory on Friday.