Game 1 Box Score (PDF) | Game 1 Box Score (XML) | Game 2 Box Score (PDF) | Game 2 Box Score (XML)

MOBILE, Ala. –  Junior Taylor Denton equaled the Kennesaw State career stolen base record with a swipe of second base in the seventh inning of game two of a doubleheader at South Alabama on Saturday (April 30).
 
Unfortunately for Denton and the Owls (25-25), the milestone came in a heartbreaking 8-6 loss as the Jaguars (29-16) rallied for seven runs in the last two innings to complete a sweep. South Alabama posted a 9-0 victory in the opener.

Denton's steal was the 60th of her career and tied her with Jennifer Hunt (2003-06).
 
"When you go on the road against a nationally-recognized team you really need to bring you're "A" game if you are hoping to come away with an upset win," head coach Tory Acheson said. In game two, we brought our "A" game for five-plus innings but just could not seal the deal.
 
"Give South Alabama credit for fighting back the way they did, but we made two crucial errors in the in the seventh that gave them the opportunities they cashed in," Acheson added. "If we make a routine play on a double play ball we could have gotten out of here with a split."
 
After falling behind by a run in the first inning, the Owls rallied with four in the fourth inning as they took advantage of two errors, a walk, Denton bunt single and sacrifice fly by Jenna Kniss to take a 4-1 lead.
 
Kennesaw State added to its lead in the fifth as Noelle Winkles opened the inning with a single, stole second and advanced to third on an infield hit by Denton. After Denton stole second, Courtney Sutter delivered a two-run single up the middle to plate both runners that increased the Owls' advantage to 6-1.
 
That looked as though it would be enough to stand up as Logan Viers (11-8) settled down and retired 11 batters in a row before allowing back-to-back hits to open the sixth inning as the Jaguars bats came alive, recording six hits and four runs against Viers and Morgan Sikes that cut the Owls' lead to 6-5.
 
Viers returned to the circle in the seventh and, after allowing a leadoff single and recording a strikeout, looked as though she was about to get out of the inning and preserve a one-run victory. However, the Owls were unable to make a play on what appeared to be a potential game-ending double play.
 
South Alabama capitalized on the miscue when Amanda Minahan hit a two-run home run over the leftfield fence that gave the Jaguars an 8-6 come-from behind victory.  
Denton led the Owls offense in game two as she went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Sutter also had a productive afternoon with a two-run single, and Kniss had a productive at-bat with a sacrifice fly.
 
In game one, the Jaguars produced all the offense they would need in the third inning as they sent 11 batters to the plate and scored six runs. The big hit of the frame was a grand slam by Dayla Gulledge.
 
South Alabama starter Devin Brown (18-10), who entered the day ranked in the top five in the country in strikeouts, was in command from the outset as she did not allow a hit, walked one and struck out 11 in five innings of work.
 
"We used game one as an opportunity for some of our kids who don't play every day to gain some experience," Acheson said. "It didn't go the way we hoped it would but it was still useful."
 
The Owls will close out their regular season next weekend when they conclude A-Sun Conference play with a three-game series against Lipscomb at Bailey Park. The series opens with a doubleheader on Friday (May 6) beginning at 5 p.m. and concludes with a single game on Saturday (May 7) at 5 p.m.
 
"Now our postseason starts Friday when Lipscomb comes to town for our Celebration Weekend of Senior Day and Alumni Day," Acheson said. "It appears we are in a position where we need to win to keep playing. It will be an exciting weekend for sure."
 
The Kennesaw State softball program will recognize its eight seniors on Friday Emily Bishop, Kara Chambers, Rachel Dennis, Hillary Kartman, Missy Perkowski, Morgan Sikes, Megan Veringa and Monica Vickery will be playing their final home games 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.