RALEIGH, N.C. - William Peace opened the 2026 season at home Tuesday afternoon, falling to Averett 13-3 in game one and 6-2 in game two to move to 0-2 on the year.
In the opener, the Pacers showed life in the third inning with a three run frame to take a brief lead. Cierra Lear paced the offense, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Reagan Stewart added an RBI as Peace capitalized on early opportunities, but Averett responded in the fourth to pull away.
Peace finished with nine hits in game one, including extra base hits from Lear and Caroline Burdsal, but could not contain Averett's late offense.
In game two, Averett used a five run third inning to take control. The Pacers answered with single runs in the third and fourth innings. Isabelle Olson drove in a run with a double to center, while Allison Burlew recorded two hits in the contest. Peace totaled five hits in the game but unable to overcome the early lead.
The Pacers will now shift their focus to the Grand Slam Triangle Softball Classic this weekend at Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh. Peace is set to face Rowan on Saturday at 11 AM and The College of New Jersey at 1:30 PM before returning Sunday to take on Christopher Newport at 12 PM and Eastern Mennonite at 2:30 PM.
