AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team split a doubleheader with Francis Marion Tuesday.

Head coach Jerry Snyder's team lost the first game 6-0 before winning game two by a score of 8-2.

The Pacers are now 15-19 on the season while the Patriots are 21-12.

Trailing 4-0 after the first inning of game one, Caroline Cockrell managed to hold the visitors without another run until the fifth. Two of the frames included outstanding double plays turned by the middle infield from USC Aiken (Sarah Sams and Katie Painter were involved with both).

Down 5-0 in the fifth, Katelyn Powell led off the stanza with a base hit up the middle. After moving to second on a steal, she was left stranded. Powell registered another base knock in the seventh for the lone two hits of the game for USC Aiken.

In game two, Painter walked with one away and hustled to third on a double to the gap by Hannah Price. With two down, Sydney Burk walked. She was followed in the line-up with walks to Sams and Janee McCarthy, giving the Pacers a 2-0 advantage.

USC Aiken pushed the lead to 4-0 with a two-run second frame. Holly Daum singled and moved to second on a base hit from Powell. Painter bunted for a hit to plate Daum. Strauss singled in Powell for the advantage.

Burk posted a one-out hit in the fifth. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt before later coming home on a wild pitch for a 5-0 edge.  

Leading 5-2 in the sixth, Powell was hit by a pitch. After being lifted for Leah Boghosian as a pinch runner, Painter singled and both were brought home moments later when Price crushed an offering 253 feet over the left center field fence for an 8-2 lead.  

For the game, Price led the way with four RBI. Powell, Painter and Price had two hits apiece. Painter and Price each crossed home twice.

In the circle, Price tossed a complete game. She struck out six and walked one.

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they host UNC Pembroke at 1 p.m.