By: Michael Pitts
Kennesaw State (12-25, 4-11 ASUN)
vs. FGCU (13-28, 6-12 ASUN)
Location: Bailey Park – Kennesaw, Ga.
Game One: Saturday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m.
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Game Two: Saturday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m.
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Game Three: Sunday, April 24 at 12:00 p.m.
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Leading Off
FGCU heads to Bailey Park for a three-game ASUN series starting with a doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 23.
The first two games are highlighted by 'Gold Out Gulf Coast' and fans are encouraged to wear gold and support the Owls against the divisional foe.
The entire series will be broadcast on the KSU Owl Network YouTube channel and first pitch of game one Saturday is set for 1:00 p.m. Game three on Sunday starts at 12:00 p.m.
KSU looks to end a six-game losing skid and get back on track as the 2022 season winds down. The Black and Gold have won four of the last six games in the friendly confines of Bailey Park.
Gameday Storylines
>> Taylor Cates leads the team in home runs (12), doubles (11), runs (26), hits (43), batting average (.377), OPS % (1.208), RBI (30), total bases (90), on-base percentage (.419), stolen bases (7) and slugging percentage (.789).
>> Faith Alexander has 31 hits and 15 RBI in 29 games played this season.
>> Pitcher
Melanie Bennett has accounted for more than half of KSU's innings pitched this season (134.1 of 235.2) and strikeouts (120 of 180).
>> Freshman
Ty Hardeman is second on the team with 22 runs scored.
A Familiar Foe
FGCU leads the all-time series against the Owls, 11-7. KSU has taken the last two games in the series, both at home in 2021.
Cates hit a grand slam in the Owls' last game against the Eagles on May 13, 2021 in the ASUN tournament, helping KSU to an 8-1 victory.
ASUN Rising
The Owls enter 2022 after reaching the ASUN tournament championship game a season ago. KSU was picked to finish second in the conference by coaches from the conference.
Taylor Cates,
Brinaya Bailey and
Melanie Bennett were named to the preseason ASUN All-Conference team.
On Deck
After welcoming FGCU to Kennesaw, the Owls return to action Wednesday, Apr. 27 for a midweek road contest against Georgia State. KSU defeated the in-state rival during the I-75 Challenge in February via a walk-off homer from Cates.
Jacksonville travels to Bailey Park on Friday, May 6 for a three-game set to close out the regular season for the Black and Gold. Senior
Katie Greep will be honored on Senior Day set for May 7.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State softball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
