MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken put a tremendous scare against top-seeded North Georgia, but came up just short in the 2-1 Peach Belt Conference quarterfinal game.

The Pacers end the season with a 22-17 record.

Junior Taylor Morgan was dominant in the circle the first time through the line-up, holding the Nighthawks in check.

In the top of the fourth, Victoria Burkett rocketed a 1-1 pitch to the shortstop and easily beat the throw for the team's first base-runner. Sarah Montei laid down a well-placed sacrifice bunt, pushing Burkett to second. Samantha Chubb followed Montei's effort, sacrificing herself as Burkett hustled to third. However, USC Aiken was unable to push across the go-ahead run.

Head coach Jerry Snyder made a change in the top of the fourth, bringing in the designated player, Danielle Payne, to pitch. She retired the side with little trouble.

In the top of the fifth, Sydney Murphy roped a single into the gap on an 0-1 pitch, but was left stranded. North Georgia managed to score a run in the bottom of the fifth for a 1-0 edge.

After being retired in order in the top of the sixth, Snyder's team went to work in the seventh. With one down, senior Ashley Metts blasted a 1-1 pitch over the left field wall, knotting the contest.

However, with two down in the bottom of the seventh, the Nighthawks hit a bloop single, allowing the game-winning run to score.

Morgan struck out four in the game, but was saddled with the loss after giving up one run on two hits. Payne worked two innings, giving up one run on a hit while striking out one.

It marked the final career game for Makenzie Barbor, Victoria Burkett, Ashley Metts and Danielle Payne.