Hofstra Box Score (PDF) | Hofstra Box Score (XML)
Bethune-Cookman Box Score (PDF) | Bethune-Cookman Box Score (XML) 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Big performances by the freshmen helped the Kennesaw State softball team gain a split during Friday's opening day of the Orange Blossom Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
 
After falling in their season opener earlier in the day, the Owls (1-1) bounced back to defeat Bethune-Cookman, 9-7.

Patricia Awald, who went 3-for-3 with four RBIs, led a 12-hit attack as the freshmen accounted for seven hits. Second baseman Meredith Milam had two hits, a run scored and RBI, while catcher Alexa Solorzano produced a two-run single, and right fielder Raleigh Williams had a hit and run scored.
 
Junior Hannah Thomason and sophomore Olivia Tamewitz combined to go 4-for-6 with four runs scored from the top two spots in the order. Junior Jessie Mullen went 1-for-1 with two runs scored and two walks.
 
The Owls jumped out to a 4-1 lead after three innings before Bethune-Cookman scored six runs (one earned) in the top of the fourth to take a 7-4 lead.
 
Kennesaw State answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth, the big hit coming in the form of a two-run single by Awald that tied the score, 7-7.
 
The Owls' rookie first baseman came through again in the fifth, producing a clutch two-run single that scored Mullen and Thomason, who walked and singled, respectively, to give KSU  9-7 lead.
 
Sophomore transfer Abby Deane (1-0) entered the circle in the fifth inning and allowed one hit over three innings to record the victory.
 
Tamewitz, who was 3-for-5 with two runs scored, tripled for Kennesaw State's lone hit in an 8-0 loss to Hofstra.
 
Tournament action continues on Saturday with Kennesaw State facing Quinnipiac at 1:30 p.m. before taking on Northern Iowa at 4 p.m. at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
 
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. You can also follow head coach Pete D'Amour at @KSUSBCoach.
 
To learn more about The Owls Fund visit www.ksuowls.com/theowlsfund.