Softball | April 11, 2023

This week, USC Aiken hosts Flagler in a three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 15 and a single game on Sunday, Apr. 16. The Apr. 15 doubleheader marks Senior Day while Apr. 16 is the home finale for the 2023 season.

Recapping The Week

Last week, USC Aiken had five games scheduled but due to inclement weather, head coach Jaclin Poole's team only the weekend series against Augusta. The Pacers went 2-1 on the week to claim the series victory.

Down But Not Out 

In the first game of the series, USC Aiken took an early 3-0 lead only to see the Jaguars respond with a five-run third inning. However, the Pacers were not out of the fight. In the bottom of the frame, USC Aiken regained the advantage. Shi Cain singled in two before Emily Ayers posted a base hit, knocking in one for a 6-5 advantage en route to the tightly-contested 9-7 win.

Ending It Early

In the second game of the series, head coach Jaclin Poole's team jumped on top of the Jaguars early and scored often, ending the game in the fifth inning due to the mercy rule. USC Aiken plated three runs in the first, two in the second, two in the fourth and one in the fifth.

Record Book Update

Emily Ayers continues to etch her name in the record book. Last week, she moved into 10^th place for career doubles (29) and sacrifice flies (4). She's also third in home runs (21), fourth in RBI (99), fourth in total bases (241), fifth in putouts (695) and eighth in chances (796).

Mallory Shaver is ninth for career home runs (15) while Holly Daum is fifth for career sacrifice his (25) and 10^th with four sacrifice flies.

In the circle, Lakyn Phillips is seventh with 300 strikeouts. She's also third with three saves and ninth with eight career shutouts. Payton Baker is 10^th with 221 strikeouts and sixth with two saves.  

Back In The Swing Of Things

Outfielder Jena Dewalt has had to deal with injuries this season. She saw time in the second game of the series and promptly gave the Pacers a lead they would not relinquish by crushing a three-run home run in the first frame. In the final game of the series, Dewalt stepped in as a pinch hitter and did her job extremely well, belting out a two-run shot.

McKelvey's Mash

Stepping in as a pinch hitter in the series finale against the Jaguars, Jakayla McKelvey ripped a pitch over the right field wall for a two-run round-tripper. It marked her first career home run, which occurred in her 17^th career at bat. It also marked her first two career RBI.  

Stanley's Sensational Series

Senior Jessica Stanley turned in arguably one of the most impressive weeks during her illustrious career this past weekend. Stanley registered a team-high eight hits, including a team-best two doubles, while recording a team-high 10 total bases. She also walked, stole a base and was perfect in the field. In three games, Stanley went eight-for-11 for a team-high .727 batting average while slugging .989. Stanley also notched a .769 on-base percentage and scored three runs while helping the Pacers claim the series victory.

Diggin' The Long Ball

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team is putting up numbers never seen before in school history. In 2022, USC Aiken hit a school record 41 home runs. This season, the Pacers have 38 round-trippers. It marks the most home runs the program has had in back-to-back seasons in school history. Additionally, Poole's team features two student-athletes in the top-10 of the school's record book for career home runs (Emily Ayers - 21, Mallory Shaver - 15).

One Last Time

This upcoming weekend marks the last home series for the Pacers for the 2023 campaign. Prior to the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 15, the six senior student-athletes will be recognized for their contributions to the program and university. The six include Emily Ayers, Shi Cain, Rebekah Cook, Holly Daum, Jessica Stanley and Lauren Wexler.  

Inside The Numbers

This week, USC Aiken hosts Flagler in a three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 15 and a single game on Sunday, Apr. 16. Since moving to Division II, the Pacers are 228-196 (53.8 percent) in Saturday games and 121-144 (45.7 percent) in Sunday contests. During the same time, the team is 13-4-1 on Apr. 15 and 8-9 on Apr. 16.  

Against The Opponent

This week, USC Aiken hosts Flagler in a three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 15 and a single game on Sunday, Apr. 16. The Pacers hold a 16-11 edge in the all-time series against the Saints, having won all three games a season ago.