AIKEN, S.C.- Converse softball dropped a non-conference doubleheader on Sunday afternoon on the road against USC Aiken, 8-0, and 2-0.  Converse drops to 2-8 on the inaugural season while USC Aiken improves to 9-1 on the season.

Maddisen Lukens (Chandler, Ariz.), Shelby Bullock (Horseshoe Beach, Fla.), Anna Bennett Fulton, Md.), Savanna Fain (Inman, S.C.), Morgan Marlow (Murrells Inlet, S.C.) and Kelsie Land (Keller, Texas) recorded a hit for the Valkyries.   Lukens, Bennett and Marlow reached on a walk.

Converse travels to Hickory, N.C. to face Lenoir-Rhyne in a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday, February 24.  First pitch is at 2pm.

Game One: Converse 0, USC Aiken 8 (Five Innings)

The Valkyries started off the contest with three hits to load the bases but couldn't scratch across a run.  Maddy Lukens started off with a bloop single in front of the second baseman.  Shelby Bullock followed with a bunt single.  Anna Bennett punched a ball into center field to load the bases with one out.  Converse had a pop up and a strike out to end the inning.

USC Aiken posted four runs in the bottom of the second inning.  The Pacers capitalized with two outs and the bases loaded.  A two out single scored two for the Pacers followed by a double to score two more pushed Aiken out to a 4-0 advantage early.

The Pacers tacked on another run in the bottom of the third inning on a RBI single to right center.  USC Aiken would push across the winning runs in the bottom of the fifth inning scoring three runs off three hits to take game one 8-0 in five innings.

Converse was unable to find gaps in the Pacers' defense going hitless in the final four innings of play.

Game Two: Converse 0, USC Aiken 2

USC Aiken scored first for the Pacers on a solo shot in the bottom of the first inning.  The Pacers tacked on another run with a base knock up the middle to push across their second run of the contest.

Savanna Fain started the top of the fourth off with the Valkyries first hit of the contest with a single to right field.  Morgan Marlow reached on an infield single but Converse couldn't push across any runs.

Kelsie Land sent a flare down the right field line in the top of the fifth inning.  Maddy Lukens would reach on a fielding error and moved to second but the Valkyries were turned away in the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Pacers tried to add on an insurance run by Marlow reached over the left field wall and robbed USC Aiken of the home run.

Converse was unable to scratch across a run in a closely contested game as USC Aiken took the 2-0 victory and the sweep.