(Justin Malko photo)

South Carolina is off to a 2-0 start to its preseason behind a 31-10 win against East Carolina University.

The game got off to a positive start for the Gamecocks when within three minutes of the opening kick-off, a quick tap off a penalty saw two quick passes put winger Max Vernerey into the clear for a thirty yard run to the line.

It was converted by fullback Cullen Clair for a 7-0 lead.

The Gamecocks dominated possession and territory for the next 15 minutes against the Pirates.

The USC backline went through several phases and inside center Peter Boland found a gap in the defense and sprinted 35 meters to dot it down between the posts. The try was converted by Clair to make it 14-0 South Carolina.

Within five minutes a loose ball in the ECU backline was toed through by USC. Center Richard Pyke gained control of the ball and then fed winger Vernerey who again was able to touchdown for a 19-0 lead. The conversion was missed.

The next 20 minutes before halftime saw East Carolina control the ball and use their big forwards to strong effect. ECU went close to scoring and were rewarded with a penalty goal to make the score 19-3 at the half.

In the second half the penalties began to mount against USC. This count was to end the game at 25 against the Gamecocks resulting in ECU spending long periods in USC territory but the defense was strong.

In one of the rare times the ball ended up in the ECU half, an attempt at clearing the line was blocked and the ball was recovered for a try by USC replacement flanker, Justin Drum. This try was converted and USC led 26-3.

East Carolina through the onslaught of penalties camped in the USC half and were rewarded by a well worked try under the posts which was converted to make the score 26-10.

A final try for USC resulted when replacement center Dave Chandik made a good break and fed Pyke, who stepped past two tacklers to score.

USC was best served by second row Calvin Storey, fullback Cullen Clair, center Richard Pyke and five eighth Nick Hart.

Meantime, Bowling Green also moved to 2-0 on the preseason with a 63-3 belting of Ohio University.

Wing Rocco Mauer scored three tries and his brother, center Dominic, scored two.

Bowling Green defeated SUNY Brockport 55-12 last week. Again wing Rocco Mauer had three tries and brother Dominic got two.

The Falcons play Michigan State next week.