AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team split a pair of games Friday against Clarion.

The Pacers lost the first game 13-4 before picking up a 4-2 win in the nightcap.

The Pacers are now 2-8 on the season while the Golden Eagles are 1-1.

In game one, head coach Jaclin Poole's team got on the board in the fourth inning. Mallory Shaver doubled to left field, plating Grace Ann Thompkins, who came in as a pinch runner for Kadence Walker.

USC Aiken scored three runs in the fifth but it was not enough to extend the game. Lauren Wexler reached on an error and moved to second on an Emily Ayers base hit. Shi Cain brought everyone home with a round-tripper to center field.

For the game, Cain and Shaver had two hits apiece while Cain led the way with three RBI.

In game two, Poole's team loaded the bases in the first frame. Ayers walked as did Cain. Adams walked to load the bases before a fielder's choice from Shaver made it 1-0.

USC Aiken pushed the margin to 2-0 with a run in the second stanza. Lauren Wexler reached on an error, allowing Ella Stone cross home plate.

Ayers extended the lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning. With Stone on second base, Ayers stepped to the plate and rocketed a two-run home run over the left center field wall.

The Eagles scored a run in the fifth and sixth for the final 4-2 score. The visitors had a last-ditch opportunity with tow outs in the seventh but Holly Daum made a spectacular catch against the wall for the final out.

Ayers led the way with two hits, two RBI and two runs scored. Shaver added one RBI while Stone crossed home twice.

Payton Baker got the win in the circle after going the distance. She struck out nine while giving up just one walk.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow when they host Anderson in a doubleheader starting at 1:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.