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KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State softball team dropped its Atlantic Sun Conference opener to preseason favorite USC Upstate, 16-3, in five innings on an overcast Saturday (March 14) afternoon at Bailey Park.
 
"You have to tip your hat to Upstate," said interim head coach Tory Acheson. "They came in with a great plan and they executed it. They came right at us and unfortunately we did not respond as well today as we would like, but tomorrow is a new day."
 
Junior Missy Perkowski led the Owls (15-7, 0-1) with a 2-of-2 performance and also scored a run, while sophomore Taylor Denton tallied a hit and two RBI in the setback.
 
The Spartans (15-4, 1-0) started quickly to take a 5-0 lead on a two-run home run in the first inning, followed by a three-run shot in the second.
 
Denton would get the Owls on the board in the bottom of the second with an infield single to the pitcher to plate redshirt-sophomore Courtney Sutter from third base.
 
Upstate added to its lead over the next two innings to take a 9-1 lead into the bottom of the fourth, where KSU cut the deficit to 9-3 with a pair of runs as junior Hillary Kartman scored on a Denton fielder's choice, before senior Natalie Rhodes brought Perkowski home on an RBI groundout to second base.
 
The Spartans then closed the door on the Owls in the top of the fifth with seven runs on five hits, including a three-run homer to send the visitors to the 16-3 win.
 
KSU registered six hits and two errors, while Upstate notched 17 hits and did not commit an error in the game.
 
Junior Morgan Sikes (4-4) took the loss after giving up five runs on five hits in an inning and a third of work.
 
Lexi Shubert (9-3) earned the win and gave up three runs on six hits in five innings of action.
 
The Owls and the Spartans will wrap up their three-game series with a doubleheader on Sunday (March 15), starting at 1 p.m. ET in Bailey Park. The first 150 fans will receive KSU sunglasses, while kids will be given the opportunity to run the bases following the conclusion of game two.
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State softball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.