GREENWOOD - The Lander softball team split a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader with the University of South Carolina Aiken on Friday at Doug Spears Field, rolling to a run-rule victory in the opener before falling in Game 2.
With the split, the Bearcats move to 30-16 overall (14-9 PBC), while USCA sits at 26-23 (10-13 PBC).
Game 1: Lander 9, USCA 1 (5 inn.)
Lander capitalized on early momentum and took control in the first inning, plating four runs to set the tone.
Emily Allen scored the game's first run on a fielder's choice from
Bella Angeli, who later came around on a throwing error before
Samantha Bumgarner launched a two-run homer to left to make it 4-0.
The Bearcats added three more in the third, taking advantage of defensive miscues. Angeli and Isabella Santos both scored on an error before Ava Perkins drove in Bumgarner with a groundout to extend the lead to 7-0.
USCA broke through in the fifth with an RBI single from Madilyn Rouse, but Lander answered with two more runs in the bottom half to seal the 9-1 run-rule win.
Despite tallying just two hits, Lander made the most of seven Pacers errors. Bumgarner led the way with a home run and two RBIs, while Angeli scored twice and drove in a run.
In the circle, Mattye Geddings improved to 15-3, allowing one run on eight hits over five innings while striking out one.
Game 2: USCA 6, Lander 3
USCA struck early in the nightcap and never looked back, scoring once in the first before a four-run second inning created a 5-0 cushion.
The Pacers added another run in the fifth to extend the lead to 6-0, capitalizing on 10 hits and a pair of Lander errors.
Lander showed life late, cutting into the deficit in the sixth when Angeli delivered again with a two-run homer down the right field line. The Bearcats added another in the seventh on an RBI fielder's choice from Emorie Anderson, but could not complete the comeback.
Reagan Hill and Allen each added a pair of hits while Angeli finished with two RBIs.
Paige Sherman (8-7) took the loss, allowing five runs in 1.2 innings. Anna Phifer provided strong relief, surrendering just one unearned run over the final 5.1 innings.
Lander and USCA will conclude the series Saturday, April 25, with a 1 p.m. first pitch at Doug Spears Field. The game will also serve as Senior Day for the Bearcats.
