AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA softball team split a doubleheader with UNC Pembroke on Sunday, taking the first game 5-1 before falling 6-1 in the nightcap.
The Pacers are now 11-9 on the season.
Head coach
Jaclin Poole's team jumped on top in the second inning of game one.
Mallory Shaver blasted a pitch to the wall in left center field. Autum Fisher laid down a bunt and stole second while Shaver scampered to third.
Tara McGee sent an offering deep into center field and both runners raced home on the rare two-RBI sacrifice fly.
USCA extended the margin in the third inning.
Anna Turner led off the inning with a single to right field. Back-to-back bunt singles from
Peri Rouillard and
Lydia Johnson loaded the bases for
Kate Newberry, who promptly ripped a pitch off the wall in right center field for a 4-0 lead. A sacrifice fly by Shaver pushed the advantage to 5-0.
UNCP plated a run in the sixth for the final run of the game.
For the game, Shaver led the way with a pair of doubles, one RBI and a run scored. Newberry and McGee each drove in two.
Alexis Stout recorded her first career triple.
In the circle,
Lakyn Phillips went the distance for the win. She struck out seven and gave up one run on three hits with just two walks.
Game two saw the Braves take a 2-0 lead in the first. Down 3-0 in the third, USCA pushed a run across the plate. Fisher walked and stole second base. With two down, Newberry singled up the middle, driving in Fisher to cut the deficit to two, 3-1.
UNCP scored three runs in the fifth for a 6-1 advantage. USCA tried to get things going in the bottom of the frame. Rouillard led off the inning with a single but was erased on a fielder's choice. Newberry recorded a base hit, but back-to-back outs ended the threat.
For the game, Newberry led the way with three hits and one RBI. Rouillard had a pair of hits, including a double. Johnson, Stout and Turner all had base hits in the loss.
In the circle,
Ally Fleming went the distance. She had five strikeouts. Fleming gave up six runs, only three of which were earned, on 10 hits.
The Pacers return to action Thursday when they play a doubleheader at Catawba starting at 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
