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KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State softball team earned its fifth win in the last six games as the Owls shutout Belmont, 5-0, on Monday (March 9) afternoon at Bailey Park.
 
"We are happy to get a win," said interim head coach Tory Acheson. "Morgan pitched an amazing game. That is a seven-inning shutout without a strikeout, which is a testament to the fact that she was on target, attacking the zone, getting them to pound it into the ground and we had a very good day defensively. We had the one error early in the game and then after that we settled in and made a bunch of really nice plays. So I am really proud of the way she pitched and really proud of the fact that we were so strong defensively today."
 
"We are really proud to be 15-6, but the preseason portion is done and the real thing starts this weekend. As we talked about it with the team, we are about ready to jump into the deep end of the pool. The Atlantic Sun Conference is a powerhouse conference this year and of course we start off with the defending champions [USC Upstate]. We are up for the challenge and are excited about it. We know we really have to be ready to raise our level, because the teams in the conference are strong and we are going to have to bring our 'A' game. I am very excited about it and I think this team is ready for the challenge. I am looking forward to Upstate coming on the weekend and we will take our best shot at them."
 
Junior starter Morgan Sikes (4-3) put up a dominating performance in the circle for KSU, who moved to 15-6 on the season with their fourth-straight win. Sikes allowed just five hits in seven innings for her third complete game of the season.
 
The Owls did most of their damage in the second inning, jumping out a 4-0 lead after capitalizing on a couple of Bruin miscues. Freshman Noelle Winkles got things going after striking out, but reaching on a wild pitch from Belmont starter Taylor Moon. After a single from sophomore Taylor Denton set up runners at first and third, junior Missy Perkowski delivered a single to right center field to score Winkles.
 
Following a walk issued to senior Natalie Rhodes, sophomore Lauren Bennett reached on a throwing error from the Bruin short stop, advancing Rhodes to second and plating Perkowksi from second. Junior Kara Chambers then came up with a big two-RBI single to right field to push Rhodes and Bennett across the plate.
 
KSU added an insurance run in the fourth as Rhodes was scored from second on a throwing error from BU's third baseman for the 5-0 edge. Sikes did the rest as the Owls sailed to the shutout win.
 
Kennesaw State posted six hits and committed one error in the win, while the Bruins totaled five hits and three errors on the day. Chambers continued her strong offensive play with a hit and two RBI, while Rhodes added a hit and two runs and Denton record a pair of hits.
 
Moon (2-7) took the loss for the Bruins after allowing six hits and five runs, four of which were unearned.
 
KSU next opens Atlantic Sun Conference action against reigning conference regular season champion USC Upstate this weekend, March 14-15. The Owls will host the Spartans in a doubleheader on Saturday, before Sunday's single game finale. First pitch for both days is set for 1 p.m. ET at Bailey Park.
 
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.