MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The USCA softball team split a pair of games at Mount Olive Saturday, winning the first contest 3-0 before falling 3-2 in the nightcap.
The Pacers are now 1-1 on the season.
In game one, head coach
Jaclin Poole's team got things going in the third inning. With one away,
Peri Rouillard recorded her second base hit of the day. She moved to second on a bunt single from
Lydia Johnson before
Mallory Shaver crushed an offering over the left center field wall for a 3-0 advantage.
That was more than enough for
Payton Baker, who tossed a complete game shutout. The senior had seven strikeouts while giving up just five hits.
Rouillard led the way with three hits, including a double. Johnson and
Autumn Fisher had two hits apiece while Shaver's lone hit went for a round tripper.
Kate Newberry also posted a base knock. Johnson, Rouillard and Shaver all scored runs.
In the field, Fisher led the way with three assists while
Alexis Stout had a pair of assists.
Tara McGee led the defense with eight putouts.
Game two saw Poole's team jump on top with a run in the first inning. Rouillard took the first pitch of the game and blasted a shot up the middle for a single. After scampering to second on a sacrifice bunt, Shaver drew a walk. Moments later, Fisher singled home Rouillard for a 1-0 advantage.
The Trojans got on the board with two runs in the third and another in the fourth for a 3-1 edge. USCA battled back, slicing the deficit to just one, 3-2, in the fifth.
Rouillard was hit on an 0-1 pitch. Two batters later, she advanced to second on a passed ball. On the ensuing pitch, Newberry rocketed a single to center field, plating Rouillard. Poole's team was unable to push across the tying run.
For the game, Rouillard led the way with two hits and two runs scored. Fisher and Newberry had hits and each drove in a run.
In the circle,
Ally Fleming went the distance and had a strikeout.
The Pacers return to action tomorrow when the play at Barton for a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.