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

KENNESAW, Ga. – After opening with a 3-1 victory, the Kennesaw State softball team's attempt for a doubleheader sweep of Eastern Illinois ended with the potential winning run at the plate as the Owls fell, 9-6, in the nightcap Thursday afternoon at Bailey Park.
 
The Owls (21-6) rallied from a 9-1 deficit, scoring three runs in the sixth and adding two more in the seventh. Kennesaw State had its first four batters reach safely, and loaded the bases with one out, but was unable to produce the big hit as its NCAA Division I program-record 11-game winning streak came to an end.
 
KSU was victimized by four errors that led to six unearned runs by the Panthers (12-12).
 
In the opener, the Owls received solid pitching from senior Logan Viers, and made the most of four hits, as freshman Beth McCulley provided the big blow with a fourth-inning, two-run double to left center field that scored Noelle Winkles and Katey Lynch. McCulley came around to score on the play when the ball from the outfield was thrown into the third base dugout, allowing her to advance home.
 
Viers (7-2) tossed five scoreless innings before being relieved by Jenna Kniss in sixth, and returned to the circle in the seventh to record the game's final two outs. In 5 2/3 innings, Viers allowed two hits, walked one and struck out six.
 
Sophomore Hannah Thomason collected three of KSU's four hits as she extended her streak of consecutive at-bats with a hit to seven, dating back to Wednesday's 4-for-4 day versus Southeast Missouri State.
 
The streak came to an end in her first at-bat of the nightcap, but Thomason doubled to spark the seventh-inning rally. Taylor Denton, who had three hits and scored twice, followed with a double, and McCulley walked to load the bases.
 
Courtney Sutter followed with a bloop single to right to score Thomason, and one out later, Noelle Winkles singled through the right side to make it a 9-6 game. However, Michelle Rogers came on in relief and retired the final two batters to preserve the win for Eastern Illinois.
 
McCulley, who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs on the afternoon, extended her hitting streak to 10 games.
 
Kennesaw State will have its final tune-up before opening ASUN Conference play when it hosts Jacksonville State in a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1 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.