PEMBROKE – After coming back to tie the game in the sixth inning, the USC Aiken Pacers rounded 10 runs in the seventh inning for the 13-3 victory in Peach Belt Conference action over the UNCP softball team on Friday in the first game of the doubleheader at LRA Field.

UNCP (18-24, 4-9 PBC) was led by junior Taylor Cloninger as she was 2-for-3 with a leadoff homer in first inning, while Brea Hartley, Shelby Holland, Caitlin Steel, Kellie Van Dyke and Whitney Jackson each had one hit to total the Ladys Braves's seven hits. USC Aiken (19-14, 6-7) finished the contest with 15 hits as Kaitlyn White and Victoria Burkett each were 3-for-5 from the plate with Burkett notching three RBI and three runs. 

Senior Starr Gilley (7-9) began the first four innings in the middle for the Lady Braves and continued for another inning as she allowed five earned runs on six hits. Juniors Natalie Klemann and Katy Austin also spent time in the middle as Klemann gave up three runs (two earned), while Austin allowed five unearned runs. Taylor Morgan (9-7) grabbed the win after giving up three earned runs on seven hits for USC Aiken.

Cloninger opened the game with a homer to right centerfield in the first inning before Van Dyke used a double to left centerfield to reach in the third inning and scored on a wild pitch to put the Black and Gold up by two runs. In the fifth inning, Jackson single through the left side and moved around the bases to cross home plate on a sacrifice fly by senior Holly Berry to give UNCP a 3-0 lead.

The Pacers tied the game up in the sixth inning as the entire lineup faced the UNCP pitching staff. USC Aiken posted seven runs in the seventh with two outs on the board, as well as collecting eight hits and two walks, while also utilizing one error during the inning for the win. 

To watch the full game click PART 1 or PART 2.