Softball | February 19, 2024

AIKEN, S.C. – The Hutson-Etherredge Companies and Auto-Owners Insurance USC Aiken Student-Athlete of the Week is softball standout Payton Baker.

A native of Denver, N.C., Baker guided the Pacers to a 3-1 week.

She went 2-0 on the week in 17.1 innings of work. In the victory over Belmont Abbey, Baker recorded eight strikeouts while giving up just one hit. She did not allow a walk in the 3-0 victory.

At Anderson, Baker twirled 10 standout innings. She struck out 10 batters while allowing just three hits. Baker walked four but did not give up an earned run in the 2-1 victory. 

She gave up one hit in one-third of an inning of work in the nightcap to the Trojans. 

For the week, Baker had 18 strikeouts against five walks while scattering five hits in three outings.

The Hutson-Etherredge Companies and Auto-Owners Insurance USC Aiken Athletic Department Student-Athlete of the Week honors one student-athlete each week from an in-season sport for their hard work and effort.