DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Flagler College softball team advances in the PBC Tournament after a 6-4 win over USC Aiken on Friday afternoon. Three home runs from the Saints pushed them to their victory. 

The Pacers put up one run in the top of the first to take the early lead but was short lived. Sydney Stewart stepped up to the plate to start the game for the Saints with a solo homer over left center.

The bottom of the fourth pushed Flagler into the lead. Kyla Knier got on base with a single up the middle and scored on a two-run home run from Mackenzie Smith that made it 3-1. The Flagler defense continued to hold strong, not letting USC Aiken get a hit since the first inning. Emily Ricci laid down a bunt in the bottom of the fifth to score Maseda who got on base with a triple to start the inning. 

USC Aiken saw their second hit of the game on a solo homer in the top of the sixth to make it a two run game at 4-2. The Saints were able to keep the momentum and extend their lead to 6-2. Once again, a home run brought in the runs for Flagler, this time coming from Maseda who scored herself and Reese Snipes.

The Pacers added two more runs in the top of the seventh, but Madelyn Wise was able to close things out in the circle for Flagler. She earned a save and secured the 6-4 victory. 

Rachel Hester (6-5) earned the win for the Saints after pitching 6.1 innings, facing 26 batters and striking out nine. Paige Maseda went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and 2 RBI. 

Flagler will take on University of North Georgia for their second game of the PBC Tournament on Saturday (April 27) at 12 p.m.

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