By: Jordan Griffitt
2024 Schedule
Kennesaw State (2-8, 0-0 ASUN) in the I-75 Challenge
Location: Bailey Park - Kennesaw, Ga.
Friday, Feb. 23 @ 3 p.m. ET – vs. Ball State
Friday, Feb. 23 @ 5:30 p.m. ET – vs. Ball State
Saturday, Feb. 24 @ 2 p.m. – vs. Army
Saturday, Feb. 24 @ 4:30 p.m. – vs. Army
Sunday, Feb. 25 @ 11 a.m. - vs. Robert Morris
Saturday, Feb. 25 @ 1:30 p.m. – vs. UNCG
Follow the Action: @KSUOwlsSB on Twitter
Series Game Notes: Click here
The tournament begins Thursday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 25. All games will be broadcast on ESPN+ and admission is free. In the seven years of the tournament, the Owls have only recorded one losing record.
Offensive Outbreak
After averaging just two runs per game in the Texas State Tournament, The Owls bats turned up the heat averaging 4.6 runs per game in the Kennesaw State Tournament. The long ball has been a strength of the Owls leading the ASUN in home runs with five. They also land in the top five in slugging percentage (.318).
The Magnificent Mel
Pitcher Melaine Bennett has been a mainstay for KSU not only in the circle but also in the record books. Over last weekend, she became the all-time D-I leader in games played with now appearing in 132 games going into the I-75 challenge. She already holds school records for most complete games (59), most games started (88) and most innings pitches (621.2). She is within reach of several other records including wins (55), saves (9) and strikeouts (535). The records for those stats are: wins (62), saves (11), strikeouts (700).
Don't Blink
KSU has showcased a unique blend of power and speed. Not only are they among the top in the ASUN in power statistics, they are elite on the base paths. The Black and Gold not only lead the league in stolen bases but are 15th in the nation with 21. It's been a team effort with six different Owls recording a stolen base. Leading the charge is
Stella Henry with six and
Madison Miller with five, both rank in the top 100 in the NCAA individually.
Nearly There
It has been a matter of inches, not feet, in the Owls losses this year. In the defeats (excluding No. 2 Tennessee), KSU has only a 2.3 run differential with two of those going to the ninth inning. Of the eight losses, three have come from the hands of 2023 NCAA Regional teams in No. 2 Tennessee, Ole Miss and Texas State.
Next Level
Kassidy Amerson-Fox has taken a monumental leap in her junior season leading the team in nine separate offensive categories. (Avg., OPS, Hits, Triples, Home Runs, RBIs, Total Bases, SLUG%, OBP) The outfielder has already started in more games this year than her last two combined eclipsing career highs in every category possible. She is currently tied at the top of the ASUN with two homers and sits to 10 in RBIs, total bases and batting average (among qualified batters).
On Deck
The I-75 Challenge ends but the rivalry begins with Georgia State with the Owls heading to Atlanta Feb. 28 with a 6 p.m. battle slated.
Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2024.
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.
