Box Score (PDF)
 
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State softball team (12-19, 4-5 ASUN Conference) shutout the Lipscomb Bisons (14-21, 4-5 ASUN) in the rubber match of a three-game tilt Sunday afternoon.
 
After neither team crossed home in the opening frame, outfielder Kiera Cooper crushed a ball to left center to give the Owls a 1-0 lead.
 
Four batters later, freshman infielder Ty Hardeman singled to center to score Madison Miller from second and increase the Owl advantage to 2-0.
 
After two scoreless innings, KSU broke through with a two-RBI single from Brinaya Bailey scored Katie Greep and Hardeman, pushing the lead out to 4-0.
 
Hardeman came through in the sixth inning with a bases-clearing double to score two more runs. The Black and Gold lead extended to 7-0 after she advanced to home on a groundout from Brinaya Bailey.
 
The Owls retired Lipscomb in order to finish off the victory in the top of the seventh.
 
Melanie Bennett (9-8) pitched all 7.0 innings of shutout softball with three hits allowed and nine strikeouts.

GAME NOTES
>> The Owls have won both ASUN series at Bailey Park this season and are 4-2 in conference games at home.
>> Cooper's second-inning blast was the third homer of her KSU career and her first at Bailey Park.
>> Faith Alexander led off each game of the series with a base hit.
>> Hardeman recorded at least one RBI in each game against the Bisons and posted her second three-hit game of her career.
>> Greep and Cooper extended their hitting streaks to five games.

ON DECK
The homestand concludes on Wednesday, April 6 against the Mercer Bears for 'Student Appreciation Night.' First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m. and fans can catch the action on ESPN+.
Admission is free for all 2022 home KSU softball games.
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.