Niagara: Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)
Marist: Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Kennesaw State softball team powered its way to a pair of victories during the opening day of the Homewood Suites by Hilton RDU/RTP Challenge hosted by North Carolina State Friday in Raleigh,
 
The Owls (20-10) opened the day with a 6-5 victory over Niagara before defeating Marist, 9-6.

Freshman Patricia Awald went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, three RBIs and hit a pair of home runs to lead Kennesaw State in its win over Marist. The Owls also received two hits apiece from Olivia Tamewitz and Noelle Winkles, while Meredith Milam drove in two runs.
 
Senior Abby Green (8-4) earned the victory after working seven innings, allowing five hits, six runs (three earned), walked four and struck out a career-high 13 batters.
 
A five-run fourth inning broke open a 2-2 game as the Owls sent eight batters to the plate and capitalized on a pair of hits and two Marist errors. Milam highlighted the frame with a two-run single. 
 
In game one, Kira Czyrklis supplied the power with a first-inning home run, collected a pair of hits and scored twice, while Maddie Roth went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI to lead an eight-hit attack by the Owls.
 
Hailey Andrews (4-0) remained perfect on the season after pitching 2 1/3 innings of relief, allowing one hit, walking one and striking out three to earn the victory.
 
The Owls led 3-0 until Niagara tied the score 3-3 with a run in the second and two in the third. KSU went ahead 5-3 with a pair runs in the bottom half on the inning on RBI hits by Roth and Alexa Solorzano, and the Purple Eagles knotted it at 5-5 with two runs in the fifth.
 
Kennesaw State re-claimed the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth when Olivia Tamewitzwalked with the bases load to plate the decisive run.
 
Kennesaw State continues play in the Homewood Suites by Hilton RDU/RTP Challenge on Saturday when it plays host North Carolina State at 12:15 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.