AIKEN, S.C. – Behind a second-half goal from Baylea Payne, the University of South Carolina Aiken women's soccer team posted a 1-0 win over USC Beaufort Wednesday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 4-2-3 overall, including 2-2-2 in league play. USCB falls to 8-3 overall and 2-3 against conference competition.

In the 19^th minute of action, USC Beaufort had a shot at close range, but Kaydence Moore's quick reflexes deflected the shot, keeping the visitors off the board.

Erika Bateman blasted a shot from 25 yards out a few minutes later that was stopped. As USC Aiken continued to push forward, the Land Sharks fouled the home team. From 38 yards away, Mackenzie Cochrane launched the free kick that nearly went over the keeper's head for the lead. However, the keeper managed to stop the shot at the last second.

USC Beaufort had a pair of corner kicks and a shot on goal moments later but head coach Tina Murphy's team was up for the task.

A late flurry of shots by the Pacers before the break could not result in a goal, sending the teams into halftime scoreless.

Just 2:18 into the second half, Payne gave the home squad a 1-0 lead. After Megan Gettys recorded a shot from 10 yards out that was deflected by the keeper, Payne one-timed the ball into the back of the net for the advantage. It was Payne's first goal of the season and Gettys' second assist.

That was more than enough for USC Aiken as the home team turned away both shots on goal by USC Beaufort during the final 45 minutes of play for the win.

For the match, USC Aiken posted 15 shots, including 11 on goal.
 
Between the pipes, Kaydence Moore recorded the clean slate. She picked up four outstanding saves in the victory.

Gettys had a pair of shots on goal in the win as did Kenna Souder.

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they host Georgia Southwestern at 3 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.