ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University Softball (23-7, 8-2 SAC) split its doubleheader with USC Aiken (20-15, 4-5 PBC) at home Wednesday afternoon, falling 2-6 in game one before a 14-8 surge in the nightcap.
USC Aiken struck early with a three-run homer in the first to set the tone and maintain control of the game. The Pacers extended their lead to 5-1 with a pair of runs in the third, followed by two more in the fourth. The Trojans responded with a single by junior
Kadence Barrick (Phenix City, Ala.) – but were unable to capitalize on opportunities and overcome the early deficit.
Starting in the circle and pitching 3.1 innings for the Trojans was freshman
Kora Kilgore (Smithville, Tenn.) with sophomore
Caroline Morgan (Silver Creek, Ga.) pitching the final 3.2 innings for Anderson.
The bats were hot for the Black and Gold entering the nightcap – boasting six runs with three doubles in the first to take an early 6-2 lead. USC Aiken earned a single run in the second before notching a homer in the third to narrow the margin. In the third, seniors
Shelby Bandt (Ft. Valley, Ga.) and
Carson Hobbs (Nicholson, Ga.) each posted a single to plate three more Trojans. The Pacers were quick to respond with three more runs in the fifth before AU capitalized on another opportunity, bringing in four runs at the bottom of the inning – featuring a homer by sophomore
Laney Price (Flowery Branch, Ga.) for her third of the season. The Flowery Branch native went 3-for-4 at bat with two runs and four RBI on the game.
Pitcher
Carson Hobbs led the Trojans both offensively and defensively. At bat, the Nicholson native went 3-for-4 with two runs and six RBI. In the circle, Hobbs pitched the first four innings to record her eighth victory on the mound.
Caroline Morgan pitched three innings to record her second save of the season for Anderson.
The Black and Gold take the trip to Wise, Va. for a doubleheader at UVA-Wise on Saturday, March 28. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.
