Kennesaw State (13-29, 5-10 Atlantic Sun)
Location: Atlanta, Ga. - Bob Heck Softball Complex
Wednesday, April 16 @ 6 p.m. – Vs. Georgia State
Follow the Action: @KSUOwlsSB on Twitter
Kennesaw State (13-29) will be seeking redemption as they take on a local foe in Georgia State (10-31) as they take to the road Wednesday night in Atlanta.
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The pitching staff continues to be a strength of the Owls and it was no more apparent than versus Bellarmine last weekend. Over 21 innings, the staff collected 19 strikeouts while only allowing two earned runs.
Kenley Hilleary,
Melanie Bennett and
Lindsey Kyte all tossed complete games, the first time they've accrued three consecutive CG's this season. The series ERA registered at .86.
Found Spaces in the Armor
In the Bellarmine series, Kennesaw State grew leaps and bounds in the ASUN standings, jumping four spots. The Owls have now earned their first series sweep of the year along with their second three-game winning streak of the year. They are just one of three teams currently riding a winning streak. The combined conference record of the Owls future ASUN opponents stands at 28-17.
Series History
It's a rich history between the Owls and Panthers as KSU leads the total with a 27-21 edge. The last game was just a couple of weeks ago where the Panthers swiped a 6-2 win over KSU at Bailey Park. The win snapped a three game winning streak for the Owls and will be facing GSU on the road with the final road match coming April 27, 2022. The Black and Gold
Finding the Gaps
Kiera Cooper has always had a special ability to lace the ball into the outfield gaps, but this year has been magnified. The lone senior has 11 doubles on the year, that tally is tied for second in the ASUN. Not only is it toward the top of the conference but it already signifies the most doubles in her career for a single season.
The Speed Continues
Speed and athleticism have been one of the strengths for the Owls so far, and that trend has continued. Kennesaw State currently stands 54th (out of 296) in the nation in total stolen bases with 51. That number is good for fourth in the Atlantic Sun. They are also 73rd in the NCAA in stolen bases per game with 1.31.
Bennett's Blazng Through Hitters
Another year means another lockdown second half of the year for
Melanie Bennett. In her last 25 innings, she has accrued a 2.16 ERA. Over that stretch, she has allowed just six earned runs on the back on a .219 opponent average. Possibly the most impressive aspect of her game has been the strikeouts as she has stacked 20 in the last five games. She also had not allowed a single home run in her four appearances. She has lowered her season ERA to 2.87, the lowest on the team.
On The Move
On October 14, 2022, Kennesaw State University announced it will be joining Conference USA in all sports, effective July 1, 2024. KSU has been in the ASUN Conference (and previously the Big South for football) since its move to Division I in 2006.
On Deck
The conference season continues as they take on the North Alabama Lions in a three game weekend series starting April 20.
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.
