BELMONT, N.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team dropped the opening game of the doubleheader at Belmont Abbey 2-0 before ending in a 4-4 tie in the nightcap.

The Pacers are now 2-1-1 on the season.

Head coach Jerry Snyder's team had several chances in the opening game, but the squad was unable to convert. Multiple times, the team had two runners on but it was unable to convert.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Crusaders scored what turned out to be the game-winning run on an error. The home squad added another unearned run in the sixth inning for the 2-0 win.

Sydney Kate Murphy, Magan Jean Thrower and Courtney Strauss compiled the three hits for the visitors in the opener.

Hayley Elkins struck out three but took the loss after giving up two unearned runs on three hits.

In the second game, USC Aiken fell behind 3-0 before the bats started to get going.

With two down in the top of the second, Lyndie Dorgan drew a walk and hustled to second on Leah Boghosian's single. Brielle Jungblut roped a single down the left field line, plating Dorgan to make it 3-1. Strauss continued her stellar rookie season with a double to center field, scoring two and knotting the game at 3-3.

In the top of the third, Thrower blasted her first round-tripper of the season over the center field fence.

The Crusaders knotted the score in the fourth stanza at 4-4.

USC Aiken had two runners on base in the fifth and seventh innings, but the squad was unable to push another run across.

Due to darkness the game was called at a tie.

For the game, Snyder's team registered eight hits. Murphy, Dorgan, Jungblut, Elkins, Thrower, Boghosian, Strauss and Kristan Lowery all registered hits in the contest.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow at 1 p.m., when they play at Newberry. Live stats will be available at PacerSports.com.