COLUMBUS, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team lost two games at Columbus State Saturday by scores of 5-3 and 6-3.

The Pacers are now 20-11 on the season, including a 5-6 mark in PBC play.

In game one, Skylar Morley started the second inning off with a first-pitch base hit. Two batters later, she trotted to second on a while to Riley Daniel. After Taylor Butts laid down a sensational sacrifice bunt, Jena Dewalt ripped a double to left field for a 2-0 advantage.

Leading 2-1 in the fifth, Dewalt singled to right field and moved to third on an error. Two batters later, Austyn Dixon registered a base knock, plating Dewalt for a two-run lead.

The Cougars plated four runs in the fifth inning for a 5-3 advantage they would not relinquish. Head coach Jaclin Poole's team threatened in the seventh with two on and one way, but a double play ended the contest.   

For the game, Dewalt led the way with two hits, including a double. She also recorded two RBI and scored a run. Dixon, Morley and Lydia Johnson all had hits. Dixon knocked in a run while Daniel, Dewalt and Morley all crossed home plate once apiece.

In the circle, Lakyn Phillips went the distance. She gave up five runs on five hits. Lakyn Phillips walked four and struck out 14 batters – only two of which were looking. The 14 strikeouts were just one shy of her career best of 15 against Augusta in 2022.  

In game two, head coach Jaclin Poole's team broke the scoreless contest in the third inning. Daniel reached on an error and Anna Turner came in as a pinch runner. Butts reached on a throwing error to put runners on second and third. After a walk to Dewalt, Johnson lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, plating Turner. Moments later, Dixon ripped a single through the left side of the defense, driving in Butts and Dewalt for a three-run advantage.

CSU sliced the deficit to one after scoring two in the bottom of the inning. Down 4-3 in the top of the fifth, Chloe Phillips reached on an error, pushing Dewalt to third. However, back-to-back outs ended the threat.

The Cougars added two runs in the bottom of the frame, but Poole's team continued to get base runners. With one down, Morley belted a double down the left field line, but back-to-back strikeouts ended the inning.

For the game, Dewalt, Dixon and Morley all had hits. Dixon drove in two and Johnson drove in one. Butts, Dewalt and Turner crossed home.

In the circle, Payton Baker tossed the complete game. She gave up six runs, four of which were earned. She scattered eight hits and had four strikeouts.

The Pacers return to action tomorrow for the final game of the series starting at 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.