AIKEN, S.C. – The USCA softball team registered a pair of victories over USC Beaufort Sunday afternoon by scores of 3-2 and 2-1.
The Pacers conclude the regular season with a 28-25 record, including a 12-15 ledger in PBC play.
Head coach
Jaclin Poole's squad took an early 1-0 lead in the first frame.
Peri Rouillard hit a pitch back to the pitcher for a single. After a sacrifice bunt from
Lydia Johnson, Rouillard swiped third base.
Autumn Fisher drove in Rouillard on a deep fly ball down the right field line for a sacrifice fly, giving the team a 1-0 lead.
In the third,
Cassidy Neves roped a single to right field. On a 2-2 pitch, Rouillard placed a single into shallow left field. Johnson laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt, pushing both runners into scoring position. After a walk to Fisher to load the bags, a wild pitch allowed Neves to scamper home for a two-run cushion. A walk to
Chloe Webb loaded the bags once again, forcing a pitching change. With two down,
Kate Newberry drew a full-count walk, driving in
Madilyn Rouse.
The Sand Sharks scored a run in the seventh, but
Ally Fleming forced a fielder's choice and
Kaylee Bolding made a clean play, tagging second base for the final out.
For the game, Rouillard led the way with two hits and scored a run. Newberry and Rouse each had doubles. Newberry and Fisher each had one RBI. Fisher and Neves crossed home once apiece.
In the circle, Fleming went the distance for the win. She had four strikeouts and gave up two runs on seven hits while walking just one on 117 pitches.
Game two saw Poole's team break the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third. Rouillard hit a blooper into left center field. She hustled to second base for a double. Johnson laid down a sacrifice bunt, pushing her to third. Fisher walked and stole second base. With two down, Rouse belted a single through the left side of the defense, knocking in Rouillard for a 1-0 lead.
USCB tied the game in the fifth inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, Johnson posted a two-out single down the right field line. Fisher registered a single to the shortstop, putting two on base. A wild pitch allowed both runners to move into scoring position. Facing a 1-1 count, Webb ripped a single through the right side of the infield, allowing Johnson to race home for the walk-off victory.
For the game, Fisher, Rouillard and Rouse had two hits apiece. Fisher and Rouillard had doubles while Rouse and Webb each had one RBI. Johnson and Rouillard crossed home plate in the win.
In the circle,
Abbie Kegley went the distance, striking out two in the complete-game victory.
After the doubleheader,
Sage Dowis,
Cameron Greene,
Ryan Hanson and
Peri Rouillard were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program.
The Pacers return to action in the PBC Tournament. The conference will release the tournament bracket after the completion of the final regular-season contest.
