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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Kennesaw State ran into a hot team that took advantage of a large and enthusiastic crowd as South Carolina defeated the Owls 10-1 in six innings in the championship game of the Gamecock Invitational Sunday before 1,006 fans at CSS at Beckham Field in Columbia, S.C.
 
After Kennesaw State (12-4) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, South Carolina (18-2) scored three runs in the bottom half of the inning and added five more in the fourth to take an 8-1 lead. The Gamecocks scored twice more in the sixth to end the game and extend their winning streak nine games.
 
"We had a very solid weekend. We just couldn't figure out South Carolina," head coach Tory Acheson said. "They are a tough team at home and we didn't do enough to overcome their home field mojo."
 
The Owls' lone run came with two outs in the third inning on a single by junior catcher Courtney Sutter that scored Taylor Denton, who had reached on a fielder's choice and stole second.
 
Denton and Sutter were the only two Kennesaw State batters to register a hit against South Carolina Starter Jessica Elliott (10-0) and Nickie Blue.
 
"I'm really proud of the kids for playing two great games," Acheson said. I'm confident that we learned a great deal from the two losses as well."
 
Kennesaw State returns to action on Tuesday when it travels to Alabama to take on Jacksonville State at 5 p.m. (ET).
 
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.