KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (4-12) softball split the final day of the I-75 Challenge taking down Robert Morris 8-0 and falling to UNCG 3-0 in extra innings.
The conclusion of the I-75 Challenge is the end of 13 straight home games for the Black and Gold.
Game One (W, 8-0)
It didn't take KSU long to heat up the bats as they dropped eight runs in the first inning on the Colonials. Although they took advantage by swinging the bat, they were selective.
The Owls earned four walks in an inning for the second time in program history. The first time came versus Sam Houston March 3, 2022.
The first run was scored via a sac fly from
Ava Guzowski bringing home
Stella Henry from third. Macie howes lit the match with a single down the right field line scoring
Madison Miller. After an
Abby Hammett walk,
Caroline Shumeyko slashed a single through the middle plating Amerson-Fox and Howes to go up by four.
Stella Henry started the inning with a walk and returned in the same inning tripling into the right center gap, clearing the bases and scoring three runs.
Maidson Miller added on yet another with an infield single scoring Henry for the second time in the first inning.
It's the first time since May 12, 2022 versus Jacksonville State, that the Owls scored eight runs in a inning. The Owls batted around for the first time since Feb. 10, 2023 versus Tennessee Tech.
The win showcased the first win via run rule in favor of the Black and Gold and the second shutout of the season.
Freshman
Emma Friedel pitched a gem, only allowing one hit in five innings of work. The hit allowed, was the first batter of the game and was wiped via the double play two pitches later.
Friedel joins elite company, the previous one-hitter came this season versus UTSA in a game that went into 8 innings. Kyte threw six innings of one hit ball with
Kenley Hilleary closing it out for the 3-1 win. The last one-hitter from a freshman also came last season from
Kenley Hilleary on March 25 versus EKU in a 2-1 victory.
The last 8-0 win at home came two years ago on the day when the Owls took down the ETSU Buccaneers in the I-75 challenge in 2022.
Spotlight Performances
Henry put her stamp on the game going two-for-two with a three RBIs, a triple, walk and two stolen bases
Six separate Owls collected hits (Henry, Miller, Guzowski, Howes, Hammett and Shumeyko)
Fridel tallied four strikeouts to go with her one-hitter, the most in any single game of her career
Game Two (L, 3-0)
Regulation wasn't enough for both teams with each side scoreless going into the eighth inning. UNCG was able to finally push across some runs scoring three to take down the Owls.
The first hit of the game came in the sixth inning with a liner going over the head of
Madison Miller in left field.
In the second inning,
Caroline Shumeyko made an astounding diving catch in foul territory to secure the second out.
The Owls were unable to collect a hit versus the Spartans.
Next Up
The I-75 challenge is over but the rivalry continue on the highway as KSU faces Georgia State on the road at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
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.
