AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team used a six-run fifth inning to pick up a split at UNC Pembroke Thursday afternoon.

USC Aiken lost the first game 2-0 before notching a 7-0 win in the nightcap.

The Pacers are now 20-9 on the year.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team trailed 1-0 after the Braves plated a run in the bottom of the first stanza. With one down in the second, Ella Stone ripped a single through the left side of the defense and swiped second base. A walk to Taylor Butts put two runners on, but back-to-back outs ended the frame.

In the fourth, Skylar Morley recorded an infield single and stole second. A Riley Daniel base hit to left field put runners on the corners. However, a strikeout, fielder's choice and pop-up ended the threat.

Down 2-0 in the sixth, Morley registered another base hit, but the team could not push across a run.

For the game, Morley led the way with two hits. Daniel and Stone each posted base knocks.

In the circle, Payton Baker went the distance. She gave up two runs on three hits and had four strikeouts.

Neither team managed to get on the board through the first three innings of game two. In the top of the fourth, Poole's team plated a run. Jena Dewalt singled and moved to second on Lydia Johnson's sacrifice bunt. After moving to third on a passed ball, Austyn Dixon was walked to put runners on first and third base. Dixon stole second and Kate Newberry grounded out, pushing Dewalt across home plate for the one-run margin.  

USC Aiken broke open the game in the fifth. Abigail Wyatt rocketed a base hit to left field. After Morley was hit by a pitch, Stone reached on a fielding error to load the bags. Cameron Greene came in as a pinch hitter and reached on a fielder's choice – and three runs crossed the plate on the play. Dewalt singled home Greene and after a groundout, Dixon roped a single to center field, driving in Dewalt. An error on the play allowed Dixon to move to third and she promptly scored on a sacrifice fly by Newberry for a 7-0 lead.  

For the game, Dewalt led the way with a pair of hits, including a double. She drove in one and scored twice. Newberry had two RBI while Greene knocked in three.

In the circle, Lakyn Phillips posted eight strikeouts in the complete-game shutout. She gave up four hits and did not walk a batter.

The Pacers return to action Saturday when they play at Columbus State for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.