DELAND, Fla. – An early push and a three-hit performance from Terence Norman were not enough as the Owls fell 9-3 to Stetson to open the weekend series. 
 
The Owls opened the game with three runs in the opening frame. After back-to-back singles to open the game from David Chabut and Jake Franklin, Justin Russell belted a two-run triple to left-center to give KSU an early 2-0 lead. 
 
With a pair of outs in the first inning, the Hatters committed an error to allow a third Owl run to cross the plate and extend the lead to 3-0.
 
The Hatters answered in the second inning with a five-run frame which included a three-run home run and an RBI single to take the lead.
 
Stetson tacked on two more runs in the third inning and one in the fourth for the final run of the ballgame.
 
The Owls offense was highlighted by Norman, who lead Kennesaw State with three hits. Russell added a pair of RBIs.
 
Brooks Buckler got the start for the Owls and pitched 5.0 innings. Brian Exley, Rhian Mann and Brendan Bickleman each tossed an inning out of the bullpen. The Owls' bullpen allowed just three combined hits.
 
Kennesaw State looks to bounce back tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.