Softball | June 21, 2023

AIKEN, S.C. - The University of South Carolina Aiken had many thrilling moments throughout the action-packed 2022-2023 season. Whether it was on the diamond, the court, the course, the tee box or the pitch, PacerSports.com is going to relive some of those unforgettable highlights that defines the Pacers' spirit a sport at a time.

The USC Aiken softball team had several memorable moments throughout the year. This year's team produced an all-conference performer in Emily Ayers and an all-tournament team honoree in Shi Cain.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team put forth a solid product on the field. Win or lose, the squad competed until the final out. The Pacers not only knocked off No. 12 Anderson by a 4-0 count early in the season, the team also shattered the single-season home run record with 42. 

The squad had four student-athletes average over .300 (Ayers, Mallory Shaver, Jessica Stanley and Cain) while Cain and Shaver each reached double figures for home runs. In the circle, Payton Baker and Lakyn Phillips each stood near the top of the league in strikeouts. 

In the 4-0 win over No. 12 Anderson, Phillips tossed a complete game and had 13 strikeouts. The marathon 2-1 win over Young Harris featured a bunt single to walk it off for the Pacers in 11 innings. Baker worked a complete game and struck out 13. Phillips tossed a no-hitter against Benedict as well.

As impressive as those two games were, not much could compare to the PBC Tournament run to the semifinals, which started with a 5-3 victory over No. 2 North Georgia.

Playing in the first game of the tournament, USC Aiken jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Cain belted a solo home run in the top of the first. After Ayers singled, Shaver crushed an offering for a 3-0 advantage.

Poole's team extended the margin to 5-0 in the fourth. With one down, Stanley singled and was able to take her time trotting home as Cain belted her second round-tripper of the day. 

The Pacers saw UNG pull within two at 5-3 in the fifth, but a tremendous double play by Taylor Butts secured the victory.   

The squad went on to knock off third-seeded Georgia Southwestern 3-2 before falling in the semifinals. 

The PBC Tournament showcased an outstanding run by a tenacious team that never gave up.