GREENWOOD, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team rallied with a five-run seventh inning to force extra frames, but lost a 7-6 decision to No. 3 Lander in the first round of the PBC Tournament.

The Pacers conclude the season with a 29-22 record.

Taylor Butts got things going in the top of the fifth with a solo round-tripper, giving the designated visitors a 1-0 edge.

Lander struck back with six runs in the bottom of the fifth. An error resulted in three of the runs being unearned.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team continued to battle and uncorked five runs in the top of the seventh, knotting the game at 7-7.

Mallory Shaver got things going in the seventh with a lead-off single. Courtney Leisner came in as a pinch runner and moved to second when Holly Daum was hit by a pitch. Butts reached on a fielding error, loading the bases.

Lauren Wexler ripped a single down the left field line, slicing the deficit to three when Leisner and Daum crossed home plate. With one down, Emily Ayers took a 1-0 offering and belted the offering over the left field wall, tying the contest at 6-6.

After Lakyn Phillips retired the side in the seventh, USC Aiken tried to notch the go-ahead run in the eighth. With one away, Shaver ripped a single to center field and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Daum. A pop-up ended the stanza.

Lander scored a run in the bottom of the eighth to advance to the PBC Semifinal.

For the game, Shaver and Wexler had three hits apiece. Wexler drove in two and scored once. Ayers accounted for two hits, including the three-run home run. Butts crossed home a pair of times in the game.

Phillips took the loss. She struck out six while giving up seven runs, but only four were earned.

USC Aiken's 29 wins marked the most in the program since a 29-22 campaign in 2016.