AIKEN, SC--Jami Cornwell's two-out, RBI single, in the bottom of the 10th inning gave the USC Aiken softball team an 8-7 win over Presbyterian College in the Lady Pacers' 2004 home opener today at Pacer Park in Aiken, S.C. The Blue Hose (1-1) came back and won game two of the doubleheader, 9-3. Cornwell finished the two games with six hits in eight at bats, three runs scored, four RBIs and a home run. USCA moves to 4-3 overall this season.

Olivia Gordon's double in the first inning of game one plated two runs and gave the early lead to Presbyterian College. The Lady Pacers got on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Ashley Dyches singled down the right field line, driving in two runs to tie the game. Katie Hair's base hit two batters later scored Dyches and gave the lead to USC Aiken, 3-2.

The two teams combined for seven runs in the fifth inning. The Blue Hose used five straight hits, with two outs, to score three runs and drive USCA starter Amy Fox from the game.

The Lady Pacers came back in the bottom of the inning with four runs to take back the lead, 7-5. Cornwell knocked in two with a double to center field. Slugger Jennifer Scott surprised everyone when she laid down a bunt scoring Cornwell from third. Sarah Harvey's RBI single capped the scoring in the fifth. 

Presbyterian pushed across two runs in the top of the sixth and the game remained tied until the 10th. Michelle Baker reached on an error to lead off the inning. The next two batters used ground balls to move Baker to third, setting the table for Cornwell's game winning hit.

Cornwell went four-for-four in game one with two runs scored and three batted in. Freshman Diedre Simmons had three hits in three at bats and scored twice. Amanda Teal went three-for-four for PC with two runs scored and three RBIs.

Sophomore JoAnn Jones (1-2) picked up her first win of the season by going five and a third innings in relief of Fox. She allowed two runs on six hits.

It was all Presbyterian in game two. The Blue Hose jumped out ahead with three runs in the first two innings. The Lady Pacers closed to within 3-2 with a one run in the second and third innings. 

After edging ahead 4-2 after four innings, the Blue Hose broke the game open with four in the top of the fifth. Jessica Peterka doubled to the gap in right center driving in two PC base runners. Three batters later, Nickie Templeton drove in two more runs with a bases loaded single.

Peterka finished the game with two hits in four at bats and two RBIs.

Cornwell attempted a rally with a lead off blast over the center field fence in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut the deficit to 8-3. But the next three batters grounded out and the rally never got started.

The Lady Pacers will return to action on Tuesday when they host Anderson College for a double-header at Pacer Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Game 1

Presbyterian 200 032 000 0 - 7 14 1

USC Aiken 000 340 000 1 - 8 16 0

Game One Boxscore

Game 2

Presbyterian 120 140 0 - 9 10 0

USC Aiken 011 010 0 - 3 8 3