AIKEN, S.C. - The Newberry softball team battled throughout, but couldn't close the deal at undefeated USC Aiken as they took two losses this evening at JH Satcher Field.  In game one, the team rallied to tie the score at two in the top of the third but the Pacers responded with six more runs in the 8-3 loss.  The Lady Indians dropped a 5-2 decision in the nightcap.  Newberry falls to 6-8-1 overall, while the Pacers remain unblemished at 14-0.

"Christina [Kirby] pitched very well tonight, we just couldn't get the key hits at the right time," stated head coach Joe Elston.  "We're missing a lot of scoring opportunities that we need to capitalize on.  Right now, we're struggling to find that person who consistently steps up and makes the big plays.  We're so close to breaking out but we just can't close things out and finish."

Newberry fell behind early in game one, but rallied back to tie the game in the top of the third.  Outfielders Amy Jarrell (Dover, Del.) and Jessica Jackson (Batesburg, S.C.) started the inning with singles, and later scored thanks to a Sarah Lynch (Pompano Beach, Fla.) two-run single.  The Lady Indians made quick work of the first two outs in the bottom of the inning, but were unable to get out of the inning before the damage was done.  A Newberry error gave the Pacers new life, and they responded with two RBI doubles and a bases-clearing grand slam from Karlee Haynes.

Freshman Kat Hammond (Irmo, S.C.) gave Newberry some hope with her first collegiate home run in the fourth, but the Lady Indians would come no closer as they were held hitless for the remainder of the game.  McKenzie Phillips (Wallace, N.C.) (3-3) picked up the loss for Newberry, while Christina Kirby (Delmar, Del.) gave up just two hits in three plus innings of relief.  Samantha Blair (6-0) got the win for Aiken.

In the nightcap, Newberry jumped out with a run in the first inning, but Aiken poured in three runs of their own in their half of the inning.  The Lady Indians made a late rally in the sixth after Rachelle Kenworthy (Riley, Kan.) scored Hammond on a single to right field, but the Pacers tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the inning, giving them the win. 

Stephanie Monette (Conway, S.C.) (1-2) was charged with the loss, while Jessie Clark (3-0) picked up the win.

Next up for the Lady Indians is a home doubleheader with Coker College on March 2.  Game one action is set to begin at 2 p.m.  USC Aiken will face Columbus State University at home on March 4 beginning at 1 p.m.