South-Carolina

Volleyball Exorcize Blue Devils to Cap Opening Weekend

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2024

Volleyball Exorcize Blue Devils to Cap Opening Weekend

DURHAM, N.C. – A strong two-way effort helped Gamecock volleyball end the opening weekend of the season with a win, taking down Duke (1-2) in four sets to cap the three-day tournament in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Riley Whitesides led the offense with a career-high 23 kills and the defensive duo of Victoria Harris and Elizabeth McElveen combined for 40 digs to key the team.

1^st SET: The Gamecocks (2-1) took the opening game by a 25-18 score, a credit to clean play on offense and defense. The offense committed just two errors over 37 attacks and finished with 15 kills, led by Riley Whitesides’ six. Duke trailed 15-8 at the first break of the set, but rallied to score a 5-1 run out of the break and would cut the deficit back to one point, 17-16, before South Carolina pulled away for good. The Gamecocks scored a 5-1 run of their own out of their called timeout, aided by kills from Whitesides, Alayna Johnson and Ellie Ruprich, along with two service errors from Duke. Errors behind the service line would be the key for the entire set, as the Blue Devils committed four compared to zero for Carolina, negating almost identical offensive numbers for the two sides.

2^nd SET: The home side jumped out to an 8-4 lead in the second and were able to hold the Gamecocks off late to take a 28-26 decision that evened the match. South Carolina was able to tie the score at 9-9 but was never able to push ahead. Duke set up set point with a kill to make it 24-21, but Whitesides would not let her side go quietly. She strung together a kill, a block and a kill in successive points to tie the score at 24-all. The Blue Devils had set-point chances at 25-24 and 26-25 that were also denied, but final were able to close out a must-win game for them. Duke was able to terminate on offense in the win, scoring 23 of its 28 points off kills, compared to just 14 for South Carolina.

3^rd SET: The Gamecock defense answered the call after Duke’s strong offensive showing in the third, Oby Anadi had her strongest set of the afternoon and energized the team in a 25-18 win. The key run came midway through the set, when South Carolina broke out of a 14-all tie with four unanswered points, including a pair of kills from Alayna Johnson. The trio of Whitesides, Anadi and Johnson accounted for all 13 of the team’s kills, and Anadi sparked the defense with a pair of loud solo blocks. Behind her, Harris and McElveen totaled 18 of the team’s 23 digs to help hold Duke to a team hitting percentage of .045 and just 10 kills. To put it into perspective, McElveen’s 11 digs in set three was almost as many as she had over 31 sets as a freshman in 2023.

4^th SET: South Carolina closed out the win with a 25-21 win in the fourth. There were eight ties in the first 20 points of the set, but a 4-0 run for the Gamecocks broke an 8-8 tie and the team never looked back. The defense held Duke’s offense to under .200 again for hitting percentage, while the combination of Johnson and Whitesides carried the load with 23 of the team’s 37 total attacks and nine kills.

NOTABLE

Riley Whitesides matched her career high for kills, set previously over five sets against Florida on 11/12/20. It is her third career 20-kill game.
Victoria Harris led the defense with 23 digs, the most by a Gamecock freshman since Taylr McNeil on Sept. 6, 2014 (23 vs. Furman)
Elizabeth McElveen shattered her career high for digs, popping up 17 in the win. Her previous high was seven, against Kansas in the season opener. McElveen had 13 digs total in her freshman season (31 sets).
Sarah Jordan enjoyed her best game of the weekend, passing out 46 assists and adding 14 digs, one block, two kills and a service ace.
After allowing 23 kills to Duke in the second set alone, South Carolina’s defense limited the Blue Devils to just 25 kills combined in the final two sets.
Efficiency behind the service line was a key stat on Sunday; both teams had just one service ace but Duke committed 10 more errors (13-3).
This is South Carolina’s fourth win all-time at Duke, in a series spanning 19 games and 46 years.

QUOTABLE: TOM MENDOZA
Reflecting on the opening weekend
“We’ve played well at home so to be able to go back to the CVC 2-1, we’re excited to be home. We knew going into this weekend, three wins would be a dream. We were capable of it, but it would be the dream scenario, 2-1 would still be great because of the strength of the four teams that were here. Long term, it’s two good resume wins as we try to build the case for postseason and try to build that season-long resume, but short term for our team to be able to draw upon these and know we’re good enough to beat good teams.

I don’t think we were perfect, but we were good enough on two of the three days and that’s a good thing for us to build on and gives our team confidence. Starting from Friday to today, we thought we were more and more confident that we were going to come up out on the positive end of tight sets and tight matches and that’s invaluable as you go through the season.”

On the team’s defense making adjustments in-game
“The defense was awesome. Until you play other teams it’s hard to know how good your defense is and that was a really pleasant surprise. Not that I didn’t think our players were capable of it, but to see the plays that they were making consistently is what you want to give yourself a chance to win. The fact that we could match teams, especially as scrappy as Duke, is a great thing to be able to draw upon as we go through the season.”

UP NEXT: The team returns home and will host matches next weekend, welcoming Temple and North Carolina to the Carolina Volleyball Center. The Gamecocks open against the Owls at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 and then end the weekend with a 2 p.m. match against the Tar Heels on Sunday, Sept. 8. South Carolina last played Temple in August of 2012, and Sunday’s game will be the first time North Carolina has visited Columbia since 2004. Both matches will air on the SEC Network+.

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South-Carolina

A Stronger Rail Network Is a Win for South Carolina’s Economy – FITSNews

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

A Stronger Rail Network Is a Win for South Carolina’s Economy – FITSNews

“The combined rail system would offer the reliability our business community has been asking for…”

by NATHAN BALLENTINE

***

For as long as I’ve served in the South Carolina House, I’ve believed that strong infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy. Whether talking about roads, bridges, broadband, or freight mobility, our ability to efficiently move people and goods determines how competitive our state will be in the decades ahead. South Carolina continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the country, and with that growth comes a responsibility to ensure our logistics network can meet the demands of modern commerce.

That is why the proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) deserves thoughtful consideration, not just at the national level, but here at home. South Carolina’s economic success is directly tied to reliable freight transportation. From advanced manufacturing in the Upstate, to the distribution and warehousing centers in the Midlands, to the countless businesses that depend on steady supply chains, every region of our state relies on a freight system that works smoothly and predictably.

When freight rail is fragmented across multiple networks, bottlenecks and delays become far more common. Businesses, especially those operating with tight production schedules and narrow delivery windows, feel the impacts immediately. A delayed railcar can throw off inventory planning, disrupt operations, and create ripple effects that stretch across an entire supply chain. These unpredictable slowdowns can be enormously costly for the companies that keep South Carolina’s economy moving.

***

The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger aims to address many of these longstanding challenges. By creating a unified network connecting more than 50,000 miles of track and linking 43 states with over 100 ports nationwide, the combined rail system would offer something our business community has been asking for: reliability. Studies indicate the merger could generate approximately $1 billion in annual cost savings and improve freight-car velocity by around 10 percent. These aren’t abstract figures, they reflect tangible improvements that would strengthen operations for employers, distributors, retailers, and consumers alike.

***

“Economic development teams would also have an even stronger pitch when attracting new employers to South Carolina…”

***

A more dependable rail network means companies can plan with greater precision, suppliers can manage logistics with fewer surprises, and transportation partners can commit to schedules with increased confidence. Economic development teams would also have an even stronger pitch when attracting new employers to South Carolina: not just a skilled workforce and business-friendly climate, but a transportation network capable of supporting long-term growth.

Improved rail performance also benefits South Carolina’s infrastructure more broadly. Rail is one of the most efficient ways to move goods long distances. Every shipment that travels by rail instead of truck reduces congestion on our highways, lowers fuel costs, and decreases wear and tear on roads that taxpayers ultimately fund. Better rail capacity complements, rather than replaces, our ongoing efforts to invest in roads and bridges across the state. It allows us to stretch transportation dollars further and focus on the improvements most needed in fast-growing communities.

Another important factor is competitiveness. States across the Southeast are aggressively investing in logistics infrastructure to position themselves as national leaders in manufacturing and distribution. If South Carolina wants to stay ahead, and continue attracting companies that create stable, high-quality jobs, we must support improvements that strengthen the reliability and efficiency of our freight network. The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger presents an opportunity to do just that.

***

RELATED | SOURCES: S.C. LAWMAKERS THREATEN SUPREME COURT

***

As someone who has spent nearly two decades advocating for responsible, forward-looking growth in our state, I believe that modernizing our freight system is not just a transportation issue, it is an economic necessity. Ensuring that goods can move quickly, safely, and predictably is fundamental to the success of our businesses and the financial well-being of South Carolina families.

Federal regulators will ultimately determine the path forward, and their review should be thorough and transparent. But from where I sit, the potential benefits to our state are clear. A more integrated, efficient rail system will help South Carolina businesses compete, help consumers by keeping costs lower, and help our state maintain the strong economic momentum we’ve built over the past decade.

A stronger rail network means a stronger South Carolina, and that is a future we should fully support.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Nathan Ballentine represents the citizens of House District 71 in the S.C. General Assembly.

***

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South-Carolina

LIVE: SC AG Alan Wilson, state, national leaders hold press conference on statewide drug busts

Published

14 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

LIVE: SC AG Alan Wilson, state, national leaders hold press conference on statewide drug busts

Statehouse Reporter Mary Green will have more on this tonight.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – South Carolina Attorney General and other officials will be holding a press conference Friday at 9:30 a.m. to talk about statewide drug busts.

Wilson is set to be joined by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel, representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, as well as several local sheriffs and other law enforcement partners.

Watch the full press conference in the video above.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

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South-Carolina

2026 Football Schedule Unveiled

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

The University of South Carolina’s 2026 football schedule has been unveiled, it was announced tonight on the SEC Network.

The Gamecocks’ 2026 schedule features nine regular-season SEC contests, with five games at home and four on the road. The schedule also includes non-conference games versus Kent State and Towson as part of the seven-game home slate, and a non-conference road contest at Clemson.

After opening the season with three-consecutive home games for the first time since 2014, the Gamecocks will alternate home and road contests throughout the remainder of the schedule. The 2026 schedule features just one open date which will come on week 7 (October 17).

As announced on Monday, the Gamecocks will open the season on Sept. 5 by hosting Kent State. Carolina drubbed the Golden Flashes in its only previous encounter, a 77-14 decision in 1995. Kent State finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 mark overall and a 4-4 record in the Mid-American Conference.

Week 2 will see the Towson Tigers make their first trip to Williams-Brice Stadium. The Tigers compete in the FCS Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and posted a 6-6 record in 2025 under head coach Pete Shinnick.

The Gamecocks begin their nine-game SEC gauntlet on Sept. 19 when Mississippi State visits Columbia. Carolina has won eight of the last nine meeting with the Bulldogs including a 37-30 win in 2023, the only contest played between the two schools since 2016. The Gamecocks lead the all-time series by a 10-7 margin. Mississippi State is one of seven teams on Carolina’s 2026 schedule that is playing in a post-season game this year.

The Gamecocks first road trip of the 2026 season takes them to Tuscaloosa on Sept. 26 for a date with the Alabama Crimson Tide, one of four teams on South Carolina’s 2026 slate that will appear in this year’s College Football Playoffs. It will mark the third-consecutive season that Carolina and Alabama have squared off, with the Tide narrowly winning the previous two – 27-25 in Tuscaloosa in 2024 and 29-22 in Columbia in 2025.

The Gamecocks and Kentucky Wildcats will meet in Columbia on Oct. 3. The teams met in Williams-Brice Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025, with Carolina prevailing by a 35-13 score, its fourth-straight win in a series they lead 22-14-1.

Carolina wraps up the first half of the season at Florida on Oct. 10. The Gamecocks and Gators met every year on the gridiron from 1992-2023 but have not played in either of the last two seasons. Florida holds a commanding 31-10-3 lead in the all-time series including a 17-2 advantage when playing in The Swamp. Carolina’s last win in Gainesville came in overtime the 2014 season.

After an open date on Oct. 17, the Gamecocks will return to action at home on Oct. 24 against the Tennessee Volunteers. Like Florida, the Gamecocks and Vols met every year from 1992-2023 but have not played in either of the last two seasons. Tennessee leads the all-time series by a 29-13-2 count including a narrow 10-8-2 advantage when the game has been played in Columbia.

The Gamecocks will spend Halloween in Norman playing the Oklahoma Sooners. The teams had never met prior to OU joining the SEC but have played each of the past two seasons with each team winning on the others’ home field.

The Bonham Trophy will be at stake on Nov. 7 when Texas A&M visits Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks and Aggies have met every year since A&M joined the SEC in 2014. The Aggies hold a 10-2 advantage in the all-time series, but the Gamecocks have won each of the last two meetings in Columbia.

The Gamecocks will travel to Fayetteville, Ark. for just the second time since 2013 when they tangle with the Arkansas Razorbacks on Nov. 14. South Carolina has won three of the last four games with the Hogs, but Arkansas clings to a 14-10 advantage in the all-time series.

The second-longest running series in school history behind only Carolina-Clemson, the Carolina-Georgia rivalry gets renewed on Nov. 21 when the Bulldogs make their way to Columbia from Athens. Georgia has won 55 of the previous 76 meetings between the flagship schools from neighboring states, with the Gamecocks last win coming in 2019.

The 2026 regular season comes to an end on Nov. 28 when the Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers meet in the annual Palmetto Bowl. The 2026 meeting will take place in the Upstate, where the Gamecocks have won each of their last two visits.

SEASON TICKETS
Whether you’ve been attending games for years or want to experience the magic for the first time, it’s not too early to secure your season tickets for the 2026 season. Season tickets are available for as low as $65 per game with a 10-month payment plan option available. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets for the first time, can place a season ticket deposit today for only $50 plus fees or fill out our season ticket interest form to receive more information. Current season ticket holders will receive information soon on how to renew their tickets for the 2026 season and can contact their Gamecock Club Account Representative today to enroll in the 10-month payment plan. For more information on ticket options for the 2026 season, visit 2026 Football Hub.

2026 SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 5                  vs Kent State
Sept. 12 vs Towson
Sept. 19 vs Mississippi State*
Sept. 26 at Alabama*
Oct. 3 vs Kentucky*
Oct. 10 at Florida*
Oct. 17 OPEN DATE
Oct. 24                 vs Tennessee*
Oct. 31 at Oklahoma*
Nov. 7 vs Texas A&M*
Nov. 14                 at Arkansas*
Nov. 21                 vs Georgia*
Nov. 28 at Clemson

*-SEC game

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