PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Jaguars responded from a two-hit shutout to score in the first inning of game two and take an 8-2 final Friday afternoon in Peach Belt Conference action at the UNC Pembroke Braves in Pembroke, N.C.

The Braves (16-12, 4-2 PBC) took the first meeting 3-0, with UNCP starter Natalie Klemann (9-4) getting the win in 7.0 innings with only two hits allowed. UNCP outhit the Jaguars (13-22, 1-3) 7-to-2 to take game one, while GRU's Haley Birkle (5-11) wore the loss in 6.0 innings pitched – giving up seven hits for three runs (two earned).

After the loss, the Jaguars responded by putting up one on the Braves in the top of the first inning of game two. A 1-1 game heading into the third, the Jags drew two walks and loaded the bases on a Kristen Bagley single. Casey Rowland scored Erin Rozier on a fielder's choice and Macy Terry's sac bunt earned her an RBI to take a 3-1 GRU lead.

UNCP cut their lead to one with a run in the third, but the Jags plated two in the fifth and sixth and one in the seventh to take an 8-2 final. Brianna Dickens plated two unearned runs in the fifth on an RBI-single after the Jags got the leadoff runner on base from an error. The Jags built their lead to an 8-2 final with Ashley Benton and Bagley leading the way with 2-for-4 performances. Rowland also went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run and Dickens was 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Paige Deschaine continued to bother PBC hitters as she recorded 11 strikeouts in her seventh win on the year. The Jags continue their Peach Belt Conference road stint with a doubleheader tomorrow, March 22 at Francis Marion for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader.