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

AUBURN, Ala.- The Kennesaw State softball team split day one of the War Eagle Battle against No. 13 Florida State and No. 22 Auburn in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday.

Game 2: Kennesaw State 2, No. 22 Auburn 0
After a scoreless opening frame, Junior Taylor Cates sent a solo shot over the fence in center field to give the Owls a 1-0 lead.

The Tigers threatened in the bottom of the second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but the Owls' defense was able to close the door before any damage could be done.

Cates homered against in the fourth inning, this time to left field to secure a 2-0 victory over the Tigers.

Melanie Bennett (8-6) pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing no runs on six hits, while striking out five to secure her eighth win of the season.

Shelby Lowe suffered the loss on 5.2 innings of work, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out four.

This was the second win over a ranked team for the Owls this season after knocking off No. 22 on March 7.
 
Game 1: No. 13 Florida State 11, Kennesaw State 0
Florida State got on the board early in the bottom of the first inning with three runs thanks to a double, a sacrifice fly and a fielding error.

KSU looked to respond in the top of the second inning with back-to-back singles from Cheyanne Sales and Brinaya Bailey before the Seminoles closed the door on allowing any runs.

The Seminoles added a pair of runs in the second inning and three runs in the third and fourth frames to secure an 11-0 victory over the Owls. Caylan Arnold collected the win tossing 3.0 inning, allowing no runs on three hits while striking out five.

Peyton Elzey suffered the loss over 2.0 innings of work, giving up five runs on five hits.

Notable Stats

• Taylor Cates is the first Owls since 2019 to collect two home runs in a single game.
• Melanie Bennett tossed her first shutout of the season against No. 22 Auburn, securing both of the Owls wins over Auburn in program history.
• Brea Dickey collected her sixth double of the season against FSU.

 
Up Next
The Owls continue play at the War Eagle Battle on Sunday, March 21 at 11 a.m. EST against No. 13 Florida State.