SALISBURY, N.C. – The USCA softball team split a doubleheader at Catawba, winning 5-1 in the opener before dropping the nightcap 7-4.
The Pacers are now 25-24 on the season.
Head coach
Jaclin Poole's team broke the scoreless tie in game with two runs in the top of the third.
Lydia Johnson recorded an infield single and swiped second base. After taking third on a groundout, Johnson scored when
Autumn Fisher reached on an error.
Kate Newberry doubled in Fisher for the two-run cushion.
Leading 2-1 in the fifth, Fisher placed a single through the left side of the defense with one away. Newberry followed it up with a single, but Fisher was erased at third on a fielder's choice. After
Madison Rogers entered as a pinch runner,
Anna Turner doubled home Fisher and Rogers for a 4-1 advantage.
Mallory Shaver led off seventh inning with a solo round-tripper over the left center field wall for a four-run margin, 5-1.
For the game, Johnson led the way with three hits and she scored a run. Newberry, Shaver and Turner had two hits apiece while Turner drove in two. Fisher scored twice and Shaver posted a home run.
In the circle,
Lakyn Phillips went the distance for the win. She struck out nine and walked just two while giving up six hits.
Game two saw the home team take a 4-0 lead through three innings, but USCA got on the board in the fourth.
Madison Rogers entered as a pinch runner for
Alexis Stout and went to third on a miscue as
Tara McGee reached on a fielder's choice. Rogers scored as the visitors recorded an out at second base to make it 4-1.
Ashlyn White was hit by a pitch to lead off the fifth and raced to third when Fisher doubled to left field. Newberry's sacrifice fly plated White.
Trailing 5-2 in the sixth, Turner singled to left field and went to second on a wild pitch. McGee ripped a triple to right field, knocking in Turner. Two batters later, White singled home McGee to pull the visitors within one at 5-4.
Catawba plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth and USCA was unable to score in the seventh.
For the game, Turner led the way with three hits. Fisher, McGee, Newberry, Rouillard and White also had hits in the contest.
In the circle,
Payton Baker worked 2.1 innings and had two strikeouts.
Ally Fleming worked the final 3.2 innings and had a strikeout.
The Pacers return to action Friday when they play at USC Beaufort at 6 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at PacerSports.com.
