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

KENNESAW, Ga. – Led by juniors Jessie Mullen and Kira Czyrklis, the Kennesaw State bats came alive in a doubleheader sweep of Detroit Mercy Friday during the first day of the I-75 Challenge at Bailey Park.
 
The Owls (6-6) totaled 22 hits and scored 20 runs while posting a 9-1, six-inning victory in the opener and recording an 11-5 win in the nightcap.
 
Mullen and Czyrklis combined to go 9-for-14 with eight runs scored and 10 RBIs with each homering in game two. Mullen equaled a career-high with a 4-for-4 day in the opener, while Czyrklis collected a career-high six RBIs in the nightcap.
 
Senior Abigail Green (1-2) started for the Owls in game one and worked six innings, allowed four hits, one run, walked two and equaled a career-high with 10 strikeouts.
 
After Detroit Mercy (3-8) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, Kennesaw State tied the score in the bottom half of the inning and took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI double by Olivia Tamewitz, who hit safely in both games to extend her team-high hitting streak to seven games.
 
The Owls scored three times in the fifth and ended the game with a four-run sixth inning. Czyrklis went 2-for-3, with two runs scored, while Mullen scored three times and had three RBIs.
 
In game two, the top four hitters in Kennesaw State's lineup combined to go 8-for-15 with seven runs scored and eight RBIs. Tamewitz, Hannah Thomason, Czyrklis and Patricia Awald had two hits apiece.
 
KSU scored in every inning, plating three runs in the first and four in the second. Czyrklis highlighted both rallies, producing a two-run triple in the first and clubbing a three-run homer in the second.
 
Junior Hailey Andrews (2-0) stared for the Owls and earned the victory after pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing nine hits, five runs (four earned) and striking out seven.
 
Sophomore Abby Deane pitched the final 2 2/3 innings and allowed two hits and struck out two.
 
UP NEXT
The I-75 Challenge continues on Saturday with Kennesaw State hosting DePaul in a doubleheader at Bailey Park beginning at 2 p.m.

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.