GREENWOOD, S.C. – The USCA softball team scored two runs in the third inning and posted a 2-1 victory at Lander Friday evening in the first game of the three-game PBC series.

The Pacers are now 16-19 on the season, including a 4-9 ledger in league play.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team jumped on top in the third inning. Anna Turner led off the inning with a walk and moved to third after a groundout by Ashlyn White while Autumn Fisher reached on an error. Turner scored as Fisher was erased while trying to steal. After a single by Lydia Johnson, Kate Newberry rocketed a double to left center field, knocking in Johnson for the two-run advantage.

Lander sliced the deficit in half with a run in the bottom of the inning. However, the Pacers managed to maintain the one-run cushion the rest of the way with Lakyn Phillips in the circle.

Lander threatened in the seventh with two on. However, Phillips forced a line-out to Fisher, ending the contest.

For the game, Johnson, Newberry and Turner posted hits. Newberry doubled in a run while Johnson and Turner crossed home plate.

In the circle, Phillips went the distance and had eight strikeouts. She gave up one run on seven hits en route to the victory.

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