April 10, 2009
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Kennesaw State Owls used a three-run second inning in the first game of a doubleheader at North Florida to defeat the Ospreys, 3-2, before falling, 3-1, in the nightcap at the UNF Softball Complex.
North Florida (22-23, 8-8 A-Sun) took an early 1-0 lead in game one, putting a run on the board in the first inning with a walk to Britanie Block who later scored on an error by pitcher, April Harper (7-5).
The Owls (16-19, 3-7 A-Sun) answered right back in the top of the second after Jenna Closner led off the inning with a walk, followed by a single from freshman Brittany Moore. With two outs, Jamie KeKaulua walked to load the bases and Kelsey Kulk doubled down the left field line, clearing the bases and putting KSU up 3-1.
After two scoreless innings, the Ospreys put together consecutive singles from Block, Ariana Godwin and Kara Rutenbar to score a run and cut the Owls lead to one run. North Florida threatened to tie the game in the sixth when Amanda Mosely doubled to left center and tried to score when Devyn Findley reached on a KSU error, but was gunned down by center fielder, Lyndsay McCurry at home to help secure the Owls 3-2 advantage.
Harper and the Owls held on for the win as the Owls stranded 10 UNF runners. Harper picked up her ninth complete game of the season, giving up 10 hits while striking out five batters. North Florida's Findley (10-16) received the loss, giving up seven hits with 13 strikeouts.
Kennesaw State was first to score in the nightcap, taking a 1-0 advantage in the first inning off of a North Florida error.
Catherine Tarvin (5-8) held the Ospreys scoreless through four innings until Airen Payne doubled down the left field line. The freshman hurler gave up four hits and struck out three in five innings.
North Florida used a three-run sixth inning to take the lead. After Godwin reached on an Owl error, Ashley Battaglia singled through the left side and Payne doubled to left field, scoring two runs. Mosley followed with another double to put the Ospreys up 3-1.
The Owls tallied two hits in the seventh inning from Jordan Hackett and McCurry, who is on a seven-game hitting streak, but the effort fell short as the Owls lost the nightcap, 3-1.
Tarvin suffered the loss for the Owls while McCurry, Wells, Moore, Kulk and Hackett each recorded hits for KSU in the loss.
Kennesaw State returns to A-Sun action tomorrow afternoon when they play a doubleheader at Jacksonville. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
