DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team smashed the school record for home runs in a season en route to a 5-3 victory over nationally-ranked (No. 2) and second-seeded North Georgia in opening game of the PBC Tournament.
The Pacers are now 19-31 on the season, while the Nighthawks fall to 48-6 on the season.
Head coach
Jaclin Poole's team jumped on top with a three-run first inning. With one down,
Shi Cain crushed a solo home run.
Emily Ayers followed it up with a base hit through the right side. Moments later
Mallory Shaver uncorked a long ball for a 3-0 lead.
The score remained the same until the fourth. With one away,
Jessica Stanley singled to the shortstop. She was able to take her time around the base paths when Cain was able to launch her second round-tripper of the day. The home run was the team's 42
nd on the season; establishing a new school record.
After UNG managed to plate three runs in the fifth, Poole's team shut down the home team the rest of the way.
Lakyn Phillips worked the final 2.2 innings of work without allowing the Nighthawks to get any closer. UNG left two runners on in the sixth and threatened in the seventh. However, Phillips forced a fielder's choice for the first out. The ensuing batter hit into a double play for the final two outs of the game. With
Taylor Butts playing second base, UNG hit a blooper that was destined to hit the ground for a base hit. Butts raced into the outfield, snagged the ball and whirled around before firing the ball to first base for the victory.
Cain led the way with two round-trippers and three RBI. Butts registered a pair of hits while
Mallory Shaver recorded a two-run shot. Stanley, Ayers and
Skylar Morley each tallied base knocks.
Payton Baker tossed 4.1 innings and had four strikeouts to pick up the victory.
Lakyn Phillips closed the game with the final 2.2 frames and did not allow a run en route to garnering the save.
The Pacers return to action tomorrow at 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
