Box Score (PDF)
DECATUR, Ga. – The Kennesaw State softball team (15-26, 6-12 ASUN Conference) capped off a season series sweep of the Georgia State Panthers (14-27, 6-12 Sun Belt Conference) in a 6-2 victory Wednesday.
Brinaya Bailey,
Kiera Cooper and
Isabella Galloway led the charge with multi-hit games, contributing to 10 total hits from the Owls.
The Owl pitching dominated, only allowing three hits in a combined effort from starter
Melanie Bennett (11-14),
Laura Bishop (1-3) and
Lindsey Kyte (1-5).
Faith Alexander reached base in each of her three appearances at the plate, reached at least third base each time and scored twice.
The game opened with a leadoff walk from Alexander followed by a double from
Taylor Cates two batters later. The sequence set up Bailey for a two-RBI single to score them both and give KSU a 2-0 lead after the opening frame.
Georgia State added a run in the bottom of the second to cut into the Owl lead, 2-1.
Both teams were held scoreless the next two innings.
In the top of the fifth, Galloway led off with a single, followed by two bunt singles from
Mary Greg Anderson and Alexander to load the bases with none out.
With the bases loaded,
Katie Greep singled through the left side to score Galloway and Anderson, increasing the KSU lead to 4-1.
The first hit of freshman
Caroline Shumeyko's career plated Alexander from third and preceded Cooper's second hit of the game that scored Greep. The Black and Gold led 6-1 after the fifth inning.
The Panthers scored again in the bottom of the fifth for their second run of the game.
Kyte pitched the final two innings only allowing one run and earned the save, her first of the year. Bennett was credited with the victory, her 11th of the season.
GAME NOTES
>> Brinaya Bailey's second inning walk increased her reached-base streak to 16 games. Wednesday's game marked her eighth multi-hit game of 2022.
>> Cooper has notched a base hit in 13 of her last 15 games.
>> Cates extended her reached-base (7) and hitting (4) streaks.
>> Alexander's reached-base streak increased to seven games.
ON DECK
The road trip continues for Kennesaw State against the Stetson Hatters in DeLand, Fla. on Saturday, Apr. 30 and Sunday, May 1. First pitch of game one is set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The Owls conclude the 2022 regular season on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 against the Jacksonville Dolphins. Greep will be honored for 'Senior Day' before Saturday's game.
Admission is free and fans can follow along on the KSU Owl Network YouTube channel.
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.
