By: Garrison Walker
KENNESAW STATE (22-20, 10-2) vs. LIBERTY (33-12, 13-2)
Date: May 1-2
Time: Saturday: 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m.
Location: Bailey Park | Kennesaw. Ga.
Game 1 Live Stats |
Game 2 Live Stats |
Game 3 Live Stats
Games 1 & 2 YouTube |
Game 3 YouTube
LEADING OFF
» The Kennesaw State softball team closes out the 2021 regular season with a three-game ASUN conference series against Liberty at Bailey Park.
»The three-game series against the Flames is scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday (May 1) beginning at 1 p.m., before closing out the series on Sunday (May 2) at 2 p.m.
» KSU will honor nine student athletes, six current athletes and three former players, on Sunday for Senior Day.
» Live stats and live streams for all three games can be found on ksuowls.com.
»
Brea Dickey was tabbed ASUN Player of the Week for the first time in her career following her performance against Georgia State and Georgia Tech last week.
» The Owls are tied for first in the league with nine triples, second with 33 home runs and third in the conference with 158 RBIs.
COVID-19 POLICIES
» Attendance at Bailey Park for KSU softball games will be limited to 80, consisting of those on the team's pass list, and at least 15 KSU students.
» KSU students can present a valid student I.D. for admission. For members of the pass list, please visit the entrance to Bailey Park with your I.D. Seating will be spaced to ensure social distancing amongst fans.
» All fans in attendance at KSU athletic events must observe social distancing and are required to wear face coverings at all times.
LAST TIME OUT
» The Owls split a two-game series against Georgia Tech this past weekend. KSU won the first game 5-2 at Bailey Park on Friday and dropped the second game 3-2 at Mewborn Field on Sunday.
»
Brea Dickey led the Owls offense all weekend going 5-8 at the plate.
»
Lexi Solorzano recorded one double and two RBIs in the series
» Christian Florence recorded five hits including two doubles during the series.
IN THE CIRCLE
»
Melanie Bennett appeared in relief for both games against the Yellow Jackets. The sophomore recorded her conference-leading 16
th win of the season on Friday.
» The right-hander finished with a 0.0 ERA after 6.1 innings of work, giving up no runs on four hits, and striking out three. She sits at third in the conference with a 1.95 ERA.
» Bennett is ranked 14
th nationally with six shutouts, 18
th with 16 victories and 39
th with 135 strikeouts.
IN THE BATTERS BOX
» Player of the Week
Brea Dickey recorded three home runs against GT. Two of her home runs were leadoff homers.
» The senior is ranked third in the league with a .371 batting average and fifth with seven home runs.
» Dickey leads the Owls in runs (31), hits (49), and doubles (9).
»
Taylor Cates is ranked second in the conference with 12 home runs and third with 30 RBIs.
»
Christen Florence has recorded nine hits in her last 15 at-bats, including two doubles and three RBIs.
»
Lexi Solorzano has the Owls second most RBIs (26) and home runs (7).
HOMER HAPPY
» The Owls have recorded at least one home run in their last five games, adding up to a total of seven.
»
Lexi Solorzano and
Brea Dickey have each recorded three home runs during the streak and have accounted for a combined 14 RBIs
»
Cheyanne Sales has accounted for the lone other home run with her two-run shot against Georgia State on April 21.
LIBERTY SCOUTING REPORT
»The Flames are 34-12 overall and 13-2 in conference play.
» LU upset No. 13 Arkansas and No. 18 Virginia Tech on Wednesday, April 28.
» Kara Canetto leads the Flames offensively hitting .414, scoring 34 runs on 60 hits, recording 21 RBIs, nine doubles and a home run.
» Emily Kirby leads the LU pitching staff with a 2.09 era, 10-4 record, giving up 28 runs on 64 hits, while striking out 109.
SERIES VERSUS LIVERTY
»The three-game series between KSU and LU marks the 14
th meeting between the two programs.
» The Flames lead the series 7-6.
» LU defeated KSU 3-2 on April 3, The Owls were still able to clinch the series win.
ASUN PRESEASON POLL
»The Owls were voted second overall in the ASUN preseason poll by the conference's coaches, receiving 67 total points.
| 2021 ASUN Spring Softball Preseason Coaches Poll |
| Pl. |
Team |
1st Place Votes |
Points |
2020 Record |
| 1. |
Liberty |
5 |
73 |
10-13 |
| 2. |
Kennesaw State |
1 |
67 |
21-4 |
| 3. |
FGCU |
2 |
62 |
19-8 |
| 4. |
Lipscomb |
1 |
53 |
12-10 |
| 5. |
North Alabama |
|
50 |
16-7 |
| 6. |
North Florida |
|
41 |
12-6 |
| 7. |
Jacksonville |
|
28 |
15-11 |
| 8. |
Stetson |
|
17 |
12-15 |
| 9. |
Bellarmine |
|
14 |
5-4 |
NEXT UP
The Owls prepare for the ASUN Quarterfinals on May 7-8, time and place is still to be determined.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State softball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSB or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook.
