Box Score (PDF)

FLORENCE, Ala. – Melanie Bennett pitched a gem, run support from Taylor Cates helped the Kennesaw State softball team shut out North Alabama 2-0 on Sunday to sweep the series.

"This was a fun weekend to watch," Head coach Tripp Mackay said. "Melanie Bennett threw two great games, and it was awesome to see Lindsey Kyte step up in such a big way in game two. Our hitters made some good adjustments over this series and we got to see eight balls leave the yard. We put in a lot of hard work this season with such a tough schedule, it was nice to see all that hard work paying off against UNA. We still have a few things to work out but over all this was a great weekend for the team!"
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a quick six up six down first frame, Cheyanne Sales got the Owls bats going with a single to left center field. Taylor Cates followed with a two-run home run over the left field fence to take and early 2-0 lead.

UNA looked to respond in the bottom of the third inning with a single through the left side, but Faith Alexander was able to catch the runner stealing and eliminate the threat.

Defense was strong for both sides through the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings leaving a runner stranded over every inning.
 
Melanie Bennett (10-8) tossed her second complete game shutout of the season, allowing only four hits while collecting a career-high 11 strikeouts.
 
Megan Garst (7-6) suffered the loss after 7.0 innings of work, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out seven.

NOTABLE STATS

• The Owls recorded eight home runs in the three-game series.
• Taylor Cates two-run home run in game three gives her a total three against UNA and 10 on the season.
• Faith Alexander collected her second triple of the season.
• Lexi Solorzano and Cheyanne Sales each recorded a hit in game three.
• Melanie Bennett recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts against North Alabama.

UP NEXT
KSU continues ASUN conference play traveling to Lynchburg, VA., taking on Liberty for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader on Friday, April 2 at 3 p.m. EST.