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KENNESAW, Ga. – Junior Logan Viers pitched five solid innings and senior Hillary Kartman produced a clutch two-run double to lead Kennesaw State to a 4-3 victory over visiting Lipscomb on Saturday at Bailey Park that clinched a series win and berth in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament.
 
Kartman's two-out fifth-inning double increased a 2-0 lead into a 4-0 advantage and proved to be the decisive runs as Lipscomb (26-27, 8-10) rallied for three runs in the sixth before Morgan Sikes came on to record the final six outs and earn her fifth save of the season for the Owls (27-26, 8-10).
 
"What a great way to finish the regular season. I couldn't be prouder of these kids," head coach Tory Acheson said. "We got great pitching form Logan and Morgan. Most importantly though, was our ability to get some clutch hits at key times."
 
The Owls got their offense going early as senior Kara Chambers led off the bottom of the first inning with a double to left-centerfield and junior Courtney Sutter drove her in with a triple down the right field line.
 
Kennesaw State scored an unearned run in the second inning as junior Taylor Denton, who was 3-for-4 on the day, came through with a two-out single to left field that scored Noelle Winkles, who opened the frame with a bunt single.
 
"Kara (Chambers) and Courtney (Sutter) got us on the board in the first. TD (Taylor Denton) came up with a big hit to cap a two-out rally in the second and Hillary got a big double to drive in Rachel (Dennis) and Katie (Cannington) for another two-out rally," Acheson said. "It was great to see our hitters come through against a quality pitcher."
 
Viers (12-9) turned in a quality effort as she pitched five-plus innings, allowed four hits, two runs (one earned) walked one and struck out six. Her performance was more impressive after allowing the first two batters of the game to reach second and third base with no outs in the first.
 
The Owls' right-hander came back to strike out the next three batters and opened the second inning with two strikeouts on the way to retiring nine straight batters and 15 of 16 before allowing back-to-back hits to open the sixth.
 
"Now we finish up exams and head to Fort Myers for the A-Sun Tournament," Acheson said. "We are excited to keep playing and look forward to the challenge."
 
By virtue of taking two out of three from Lipscomb, Kennesaw State earned the No. 4 seed and will open the conference tournament against Lipscomb on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. (ET).
 
Saturday's series finale began with a pre-game ceremony that recognized three individuals who were welcomed into the Kennesaw State softball program's Circle of Honor. Jenna Closner, Kim O'Kelley (Wingate) (1996-97), and Bill Hudson, who served as pitching coach for three years (2003-05) and whose associated with KSU softball dates back to 1991, are the latest entrants.
 
"Thanks to everyone who participated in our Celebration Weekend," Acheson said. "We had big crowds and a great atmosphere all weekend. An Owl Proud weekend!"
 
NOTES
* The Owls concluded the regular season with a 17-8 record at Bailey Park
* Kennesaw State improved to 14-2 when scoring in the first inning and 22-7 when scoring first.
* KSU totaled three more stolen bases on Saturday and are now 126 for 149 on the season. The 126 stolen bases a single-season team record.
* Kara Chambers had one steal on the day for her 25th of the season that places her fourth on the Owls single-season list. It was also the 55th of her career that ranks third on KSU's all-time career stole base list.   
* Senior Morgan Sikes recorded her fifth save of the season that ties her for fifth on Kennesaw State's single-season saves list. It was also her seventh career save that ties her for fourth all-time.  

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