AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team lost a 10-2 contest to Columbus State in the regular-season finale Sunday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 29-21 on the season. The Cougars improve to 28-23.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team fell behind 3-0 but pulled within one in the bottom half of the frame. With two down, Emily Ayers reached on an error. Brooke Moore ripped an 0-2 pitch down the left field line to put runners on second and third. Skylar Morley lifted an 0-1 pitch to left center, driving in both runners while making the score 3-2.

The Cougars pushed across two runs in the third for a 5-2 edge.

After a rain delay of two hours, the teams continued play. CSU managed to plate three runs in the sixth and two in the seventh for the final 10-2 tally.

Morley and Ashlyn White each posted singles in the bottom of the sixth, but a strikeout ended the threat. With one down in the seventh, Taylor Butts was hit by a pitch. However, she was erased on a fielder's choice. Lauren Wexler moved to second on a wild pitch, but she was left stranded.

For the game, Morley led the way with two hits. Butts, Holly Daum, Moore and White had a hit apiece. Morley drove in both runs for the Pacers.   

Lakyn Phillips struck out seven while tossing 5.1 innings. Payton Baker had a strikeout in 1.2 innings of relief.

The Pacers return to action at the PBC Tournament, which will be held at Lander next weekend. USC Aiken will be the No. 6 seed and will square off against the host Bearcats. The schedule will be posted on Monday.