AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA softball team split a pair of games with Augusta on Senior Day, falling 2-1 before rattling off a 6-5 win in the nightcap.
The Pacers are now 22-23 on the season, including 10-11 in PBC play.
Head coach
Jaclin Poole's team jumped on top of the Jaguars in the second inning of game one.
Mollie Rollings drew a four-pitch walk to lead off the inning but was erased on a fielder's choice from
Tara McGee.
Anna Turner doubled to left field, pushing McGee to third.
Lydia Johnson's groundout allowed McGee to race home for a 1-0 advantage.
AU tied the game in the third and USCA had a tremendous opportunity to regain the lead in the bottom of the frame.
Ashlyn White singled up the middle.
Kaliyah Hensic ripped a single to left and Rollings drew a walk, but a groundout ended the threat.
The Pacers tried to take the lead in the sixth after
Kate Newberry blasted a lead-off double to right field. After moving to third on a groundout, Newberry was erased at the plate while trying to score on a fly ball to left field.
AU managed to score the game-winning run in the top of the seventh.
For the game, Newberry and White had two hits apiece. Johnson drove in McGee.
In the circle,
Payton Baker went the distance and had a strikeout.
Game two saw the Jaguars take a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth.
Lakyn Phillips started the frame with a single to left.
Mallory Shaver followed her with another base knock. Moments later,
Anna Turner roped a double toward right center field, making it 3-2. On the ensuing pitch, Rouillard went to the opposite field for a double, plating Turner while making it 3-3 and forcing a pitching change.
Johnson took the first pitch she saw into center field for a single and took second on the throw home as Rouillard easily beat the throw home for a one-run cushion.
Newberry crushed a 1-0 offering over the center field wall for a solo blast and a 5-3 margin. Phillips drew a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch, Shaver ripped a pitch down the left field line while Phillips trotted home to make it 6-3.
AU pulled within one in the sixth and had the tying run in scoring position, but Phillips forced two fly balls before snagging a grounder to complete the win.
For the game, Shaver led the way with a three-for-three effort. Johnson, Newberry and Rouillard had two hits apiece. Newberry crushed a home run while Turner, Rouillard and Shaver posted doubles. Turner drove in two while Phillips helped her own cause by scoring twice.
In the circle, Phillips went the distance and had six strikeouts in the win.
The Pacers return to action Tuesday for a doubleheader against Benedict starting at 12 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
