KENNESAW, Ga. – Another big first inning catapulted the Kennesaw State softball team to an 8-4 victory over Akron during the final day of the Dr. Bobbie Bailey Memorial Tournament Sunday at Bailey Park.
Noelle Winkles and
Hannah Thomason each collected two hits, scored twice and drove in a pair of runs to lead a 10-hit attack for the Owls (14-5).
Olivia Tamewitz also collected two hits, scored a run and had an RBI to help KSU to its fourth straight win.
"Overall, our defense and pitching were pretty solid this weekend. When the defense plays like it did, we can stay in a lot of games," head coach
Pete D'Amour said. "Offensively, our hitters stuck with our game plan and had competitive at-bats. Wins are wins, and we just need to continue to get better."
Senior
Logan Viers (5-2) earned the win after pitching four innings, scattering six hits, surrendering three runs (one earned), and striking out one. Freshman
Alley Cutting came on to pitch the final three innings and record her first career save after allowing one hit, an unearned run, walking one and striking out four.
Kennesaw State wasted little time getting its offense going as
Taylor Denton, Tamewitz and
Katey Lynch strung together consecutive singles to begin the first inning to produce a run. One out later, Winkles doubled to right field to score two and give the Owls a 3-0 lead.
Leading 5-3 heading into the fifth inning, Kennesaw State extended its lead to 8-3, the big hit coming from Thomason, who tripled home a pair of runs.
The Owls return to action on Wednesday (March 8) when they travel to Nashville, Tenn., for a doubleheader at Belmont. The first game is scheduled for 4 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.
-#GoKSUOwls-
