COLUMBUS, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team lost both games of a doubleheader at Columbus State Saturday by scores of 4-1 and 11-2.

The Pacers are now 14-20 on the season, including 6-8 in PBC play.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team trailed 3-0 entering the fourth in game one. Emily Ayers got things going for the visitors with a lead-off single to right field. However, she was erased on a fielder's choice by Shi Cain. Mallory Shaver ripped a base hit up the middle, pushing Cain to second base. Skylar Morley's fielder's choice left runners on first and second as Cain was out at third. Tara McGee's base knock to right field allowed Jakayla McKelvey to cross home. McKelvey had entered the game as a pinch runner for Shaver. However, USC Aiken could not push across any more runs in the frame.

The Cougars made it 4-1 with a run in the bottom of the inning, but USC Aiken continued to battle. Ella Stone reached on an error and moved to second on a bunt by Jessica Stanley in the fifth. She was left stranded at third on a strikeout.

The Pacers had runners on base in the sixth and seventh, but the team was unable to push across the tying run.

For the game, Kadence Adams, Ayers, Cain, McGee and Shaver had hits. McGee drove in McKelvey for the team's lone run.  

Lakyn Phillips went the distance, striking out seven in the loss.

In game two, USC Aiken trailed 3-0 in the fourth inning. With two outs, Ayers stepped into the batter's box momentarily before unleashing a powerful swing on a pitch that she sent high over the left field wall. Lauren Wexler promptly followed her by crushing an offering down the right field line.

The Pacers had an opportunity to add to their total in the fifth. Adams pinch hit for Holly Daum and singled up the middle. Daum re-entered the game and moved to second on a fielder's choice. Two batters later, McGee beat out a bounding ball to the right side of the infield to load the bags. However, a strikeout ended the inning.

The Cougars managed to plate four runs in the fifth and sixth innings for the 11-2 final. Ayers led the way with three hits while Adams, McGee, Shaver and Wexler each had one hit.

For the game, Payton Baker worked a complete game and had six strikeouts.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow for the final game of the series starting at 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.