ATHENS, Ga. – Kennesaw State softball (9-19, 1-2 ASUN Conference) fell to the No. 17/16 Georgia Bulldogs (25-6, 5-1 SEC) 9-0 at Jack Turner Stadium Wednesday.
Infielder
Taylor Cates made her 164th consecutive start for Kennesaw State, breaking a tie with Jessica Cross for the longest-such streak in KSU DI history.
To lead off her record-breaking start, Cates got an infield single in the Owls' opening frame.
Starter
Kenley Hilleary got out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the bottom of the first, keeping the high-powered Bulldog offense scoreless.
Another UGA scoring threat arose in the bottom of the second but Hilleary and the Owl defense stood tall again, leaving the runner stranded on second.
The No. 17/16 Bulldogs broke through with four runs in the bottom of the third to go up 4-0.
Cates launched a double into right center for her second hit of the night in the top of the fourth.
UGA added five runs in the bottom half of the inning to extend its lead to the eventual final score of 9-0.
Hilleary (3-6) pitched 2.1 innings and was credited with the loss.
GAME NOTES
>> Cates now holds the KSU DI consecutive games played (165) and consecutive starts (164).
>> Cates also extended her hitting streak to three games, the longest-active streak on the team.
ON DECK
The Owls return home for a three-game ASUN series against Eastern Kentucky beginning Friday, Mar. 24 at 6:00 p.m. Fans can catch the entire series on the KSU Owl Network and admission is free for all 2023 KSU softball home 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.
