MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team split a doubleheader at Georgia College & State Saturday afternoon.

USC Aiken lost the first game 4-0 before bouncing back to record an 11-2 victory in the nightcap.

The Pacers are now 18-8 overall and 4-4 in league play.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team recorded the first base runner for the squad in the third inning on a walk to Taylor Butts. However, a fielder's choice erased her. Down 1-0 in the fourth, Kate Newberry belted a double to right center field, but she was left stranded.

The Bobcats led 2-0 in the fifth when USC Aiken tried to get things going. Ella Stone recorded a one-out hit. She moved to second on a two-out base knock by Grace Ann Thompkins. However, a fly ball ended the threat.

USC Aiken recorded a hit in the sixth and seventh innings, but the squad was unable to push across a run.

For the game, Stone led the way with two hits. Austyn Dixon, Newberry and Thompkins posted hits in the loss.

In the circle, Payton Baker took the complete-game loss. She struck out three batters in the contest.

USC Aiken trailed 1-0 in the third inning of game two, but Poole's squad responded. Butts rattled off a single down the right field line with one away. After stealing second base, a Jena Dewalt single up the middle put runners on second and third. Lydia Johnson reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Butts to score on a throwing error. A passed ball put Johnson on third and Dewalt raced home for a 2-1 lead. Dixon ripped a double to left field, driving in Johnson for a two-run margin.

Up 4-3 in the fifth, Johnson reached on a one-out error. She raced around the bases and scored on Dixon's shot to right center field. Abigail Wyatt came in as a pinch runner but was able to take her time going around the base paths when Mallory Shaver launched a two-run round-tripper over the right center field wall for a 6-2 advantage.

After a pitching change, Newberry unleashed a powerful swing, sending the offering high over the left center field wall for a five-run margin. With the bases loaded, Butts was hit by a pitch, knocking in Chloe Phillips. A wild pitch pushed Anna Turner across home plate. Dewalt singled in Stone and Butts for an 11-2 advantage.  

For the game, Dewalt and Dixon had three hits apiece. Each had two RBI as did Shaver. Dixon registered two doubles while Newberry and Shaver hit home runs. Butts and Johnson crossed home twice each.

In the circle, Lakyn Phillips went the distance, striking out 11. She scattered seven hits and gave up just one extra base hit.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow for the final game of the series starting at 1 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.