Box Score

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Top-seeded Kennesaw State jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but Liberty rallied to eliminate the Owls, 13-5, in the semifinals of the 2017 National Invitational Softball Championship Wednesday afternoon in Lynchburg, Va.
 
Making their first appearance in a Division-I postseason tournament, the Owls end the season 40-20 record – the team's first 40-win season since going 44-20 in 2007. The Flames (44-24) advance to the NISC Championship Game where they will face Lamar later on Wednesday.

"We just ran out of steam today," said head coach Pete D'Amour. "We fought like we always, but it just wasn't enough today. Hats off to Lamar and Liberty. They both played really well. The NISC was a great event and I hope that it continues to grow in the future."
 
Courtney Sutter, Noelle Winkles and Alley Cutting were each named to the NISC All-Tournament Team for their efforts in helping KSU reach the championship semifinals.
 
Sutter gave the Owls an early 2-0 lead with her team-leading 16^th home run – a two-run blast – in the first inning. A sacrifice fly from Olivia Tamewitz extended Kennesaw State's lead to 3-0 in the second, and another two-run shot from Chandler Griffin made it 5-0 in the third inning.
 
Liberty got its offense going in the bottom of third as Alexia Taylor's three-run home run cut the deficit to 5-3. A three-run fourth inning gave the Flames the lead for good.
 
Sutter and Griffin each had two hits for the Owls. Starting pitcher Logan Viers absorbed the loss, while Liberty reliever Kenzie Frierson pitched the final 4.2 innings to get the victory.
 
The game ended by run rule in the bottom of the sixth thanks to a two-run single down the third-base line from Jasmeen Click.
 
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-
 

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