Mark Kingston, South Carolina to waste no time before getting back to work ahead of regionals

South Carolina‘s struggles to end the season continued into its postseason start at the SEC Tournament. While the team defeated Georgia in the first game of the tournament in Hoover, Ala., the Gamecock lost the next to LSU and Texas A&M to end their trip Thursday.

That gives South Carolina about a week to get ready for NCAA Tournament Regionals, and the Gamecocks could still be hosting one of the 16 spots.

“You want our entire itinerary for the week, our routine?” head coach Mark Kingston said Thursday. “We’re going to get to work. I’ll put it that way. We’re going to get to work. And because there’s less NCAA rules now and generally there’s hours throughout the week, there’s less restrictions on teams now that school is out, so we will take advantage of having more time to be together. We will take advantage of more times to go to work, more time to get in the weight room properly. We will do all those things.”

The team lost one of its key pieces in catcher Cole Messina during the SEC Tournament after a foul tip hit his mask. He has since entered concussion protocol.

Messina entered the SEC Tournament having started every game during the season, earning a spot on the All-SEC first team.

Losing for him for regionals would be a major loss for South Carolina.

“Cole was at the hotel today,” Kingston said. “Cole was not in the dugout with us today. That’s a concern. We need Cole back there. Now, French, I will say French had the best day catching that he has had probably in two months today. I was very happy to see that he stepped up for us behind the plate. But when we’re at our best, Cole is the heartbeat of this team. We need him leading us.”

He also had updates on right-handed pitcher Will Sanders and fifth-year infielder Will McGillis.

Sanders, who was named to multiple preseason All-American list, has not pitched since May 5 with a lower body injury.

McGillis has played only three games since March 24 after being hit by a pitch in the game, breaking a bone in his right arm.

“I anticipate Sanders being a part of our regional next weekend. McGillis, not as confident,” he said.

The injury bug has been a major problem

Getting these players back and being healthy for the first time in a while would be a major win for South Carolina as it gets ready for regionals.

“I’ll say my prayers every night that we get some good fortune for all the bad fortune we’ve had, and give it our best shot next Friday,” Kingston said.