KENNESAW, Ga - Kennesaw State's (10-23) comeback attempt fell short versus Jacksonville (13-17) in game one Friday night with a 9-6 final at Bailey Park.
 
The early innings favored Jacksonville as they posted five runs before the Owls could cross any over the plate. The Owls would not be denied as they mustered up a strong comeback effort in the seven-inning bout.
 
The Owls finally broke through in the fourth inning with a Caroline Shumeyko single through the left side, scoring Macie Howes. Shortly after, Ty Hardeman skied out in deep left foul territory to bring Bishop home from third.
 
Ty Hardeman already has as many RBI as she did in 52 games played last year. She accomplished the feat in just 28 games in 2024.
 
Freshman Emma Fridel came in relief in the fifth inning and took out two Dolphins with strikeouts looking.
 
With one out in the fifth, fifth year senior Laura Bishop laced one into the left center gap with the bases loaded to bring in three runs. Her hit brought the game within two runs with a 7-5 tilt toward the Dolphins. She recorded her first start of the season and collected her first hit, RBI and multi hit performance of the year.
 
In the sixth inning, Stella Henry reached via bunt single and used her blazing speed to cause chaos. Henry then swiped second base and was able to score from the steal attempt thanks to a throw down escaping into center field. That run brought the game within one run for KSU.
 
JU tacked on two more runs in the top of seventh to bury the Owls with a 9-6 final.
 
Spotlight Performances
Bishop tallied three hits, three RBI and run scored; All of which were her first of the season

Friedel had zero earned runs across three innings of work while collecting four strikeouts

Kassidy Amerson-Fox chimed in with two base hits and a run scored

On Deck
It's a double header as the Owls take on the Dolphins Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m. with the second game at 3:30 p.m. 

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.