KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State opened the I-75 Challenge with a two-game sweep of Rider Friday at Bailey Park. The Owls advanced to 15-2 on the spring, while Rider fell to 0-6.
Game One
A pitcher's duel won by senior Abby Deane gave Kennesaw State a 2-0 victory over the Broncs.
Deane (3-0) set down the first 11 batters to start her action in the circle. She finished the game allowing three hits over her seven-inning complete game. She had two walks and struck out two batters to propel KSU to its fifth shutout.
Christen Florence put the Owls on the board with an RBI single, scoring Kylie Vannavong and Katie Greep, giving KSU a 2-0 advantage in the fifth inning. The inning began with a Greep single and then she advanced to second on a sac bunt. Vannavong walked and Brea Dickey singled to load the bases and set the stage for Florence.
Brea Dickey led the Owls with three hits and KSU had seven in the game.
Game Two
Lindsey Kyte (4-0) pitched the second game and nearly matched Deane with a complete game effort as the Owls rolled, 6-3.
She allowed just four hits and one earned run in the first inning. The freshman punched out eight batters and walked one over 6.2 innings.
Melanie Bennett entered to register the game's final out and induced a groundout for her second save.
In the second inning, Lexi Solorzano put the first hit on the board with a double off the left field wall. Then the Owls took the lead when Taylor Cates hit a three-run home run for her second home run of the season.
In the next inning with the bases loaded, Solorzano hit a two-run single. Greep followed with an RBI fielder's choice to increase the lead to 6-1.
The team totaled its six runs on six hits, led by Solorzano's two.
KSU continues the I-75 Challenge Saturday against Iowa State in a twin bill. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. The program is also selling game-worn jerseys Saturday with a two for $20 or $25 deal, cash only.
