Feb. 9, 2007
Box Score
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Jennifer Nolan had three doubles and scored a pair of runs and Janet Kearns pitched a complete game, four-hitter to lead the Owls to a 3-1 win over Iowa State to sweep their Opening Day doubleheader at the Mississippi State Tournament at the MSU Softball Field on Friday.
Kearns (1-0), who won her first game in almost 18 months, was superb against Iowa State. The right-hander struck out four batters and did not issue a walk. The senior allowed just one-hit in six innings before giving up a run in the bottom of the seventh.
The Owls took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning. Nolan (3-for-4) doubled to lead off the frame and Keri McKee singled to put runners on the corner. Iowa State pitcher Alyssa Ranson was called for a balk, giving the Owls a 1-0 advantage.
Kennesaw State (2-0) would get much-needed insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning when they added a pair of runs. Klair Wells led off with a single and Nolan followed with her third double of the game. The Owls would manage to push across the pair with McKee getting an RBI.
In the bottom of the seventh the Cyclones battled back as Ashley Killeen smacked her second double of the game with one out. Katie Reichling singled and Alex Johnson lined a single to cut the lead to 3-1. Kearns was too tough, however, notching the final two outs to seal the Owls win.
Kennesaw State plays another doubleheader on Saturday, facing Purdue again as well as host Mississippi State.
