AIKEN, S.C. – The University of Montevallo softball team dropped a pair of close games to USC Aiken on Sunday afternoon, falling 2-0 and 4-3 in an affair that took 11 innings to complete.
Two solo home runs were all that the Pacers could manage against Jostlyn Higgerson in the first half of the doubleheader, but the two runs would prove to be enough for the win.
Higgerson added five strikeouts to her league leading total in the matchup, but would also earn her 10th loss of the year.
Jana Kelbie Armstrong allowed just two hits and no runs in 2 2/3 innings in the circle.
Celestia Davila and Jessica Mentzer each recorded hits for UM in the game with the Pacers, who are undefeated in conference play.
In the second game, Montevallo scored three runs in the first inning.
A Davila single combined with a USC Aiken error scored Kelsey Vining. Davila would then score on a bunt single from Mentzer, who would herself come around to home plate after a Shelby Lopez single to right field.
The Pacers would plate two runs in the bottom of the first, but would not be able to draw even with the Falcons until the fifth.
It would take four extra innings for the tie to be broken, as Armstrong had yet another impressive showing in relief of Higgerson.
Eventually, a Dani Reeves single to center for the Pacers would end the game and complete the sweep of Montevallo.
Armstrong (2-3) would take the loss, but gave up only one run in 6 2/3 innings pitched. She also had five strikeouts.
Armstrong recorded a hit in the game in addition to her strong pitching performance. Lexes Wilson also had a hit in the game, her fourth double of the year.
Montevallo (12-16, 3-5) returns home with non-conference play this Wednesday, March 11. There will be a doubleheader with Union beginning at 3 p.m. CST.
