Tennessee Tech: Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)
Toledo: Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Sophomore Lexi Solorzano hit two home runs and collected three RBIs, but her performance was overshadowed as the Kennesaw State softball team fell twice during Friday's opening day of the Chattanooga Challenge in Chattanooga.
 
The Owls (1-6) suffered a 6-5, eight-inning loss to Tennessee Tech to open the day before letting a 3-0 lead slip away in a 4-3 setback to Toledo in game that was shortened to five innings due to rain.
 
Solorzano was a highlight offensively for Kennesaw State as she went 3-for-7 with a run scored and three extra base hits. Junior Brea Dickey also had a productive day as she collected three hits, including a double, and drove in a run.
  
GAME 1
Kira Czyrklis and Solorzano hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning to help the Owls build a 4-0 lead after two innings. However, Tennessee Tech rallied to tie the score with an unearned run in the sixth inning. The Golden Eagles then scored an unearned run in the eighth inning for the victory.
 
Czyrklis and Solorzano each had two hits and two RBIs, while senior Maddie Roth and Dickey each contributed two hits.
 
GAME 2
Solorzano and Jessie Mullen hit back-to-back two-out home runs to highlight a three-run third inning that gave Kennesaw State a 3-0 lead. The Owls maintained that lead until the fifth inning when Toledo loaded the bases with one out and Kaitlyn Bergman followed with a grand slam that gave the Rockets a 4-3 lead and stood up as the game-winning hit.
 
NEXT UP
Kennesaw State continues play in the Chattanooga Challenge on Saturday when it plays Dayton at 11 a.m. (ET) and host Chattanooga at 4 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.