KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (14-36) couldn't dig out of a four-run hole as Central Arkansas (23-24) earned the series sweep ending game three with a 5-1 final Sunday afternoon.
 
The afternoon began with recognition given to the Owl seniors with Kiera Cooper being highlighted as the lone true senior. Melanie Bennett, Lindsey Kyte and Laura Bishop were also honored as graduate students.
 
Central Arkansas came out with a quick jab as they manufactured a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
 
Until the third inning, Bennett was eviscerating UCA hitters. Of her registered outs, all but two came via the strikeout. She mowed down six batters with five consecutive, the longest run of the season for any Owl.
 
The top of the third turned out to be trouble for KSU as the Bears racked up three runs for a 4-0 advantage.
 
It didn't take long for the Owls to retaliate as they posted a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. The score started with a hit by pitch to Macie Howes with two outs. That allowed freshman Hannah Harvey to scream a double into the left center field gap. There was no play at the plate as Howes went from first to home to nibble at deficit posting a 4-1 game.
 
The Bears added on another run before the finalization with a 5-1 score.
 
Spotlight Performances
Bennett surpassed a major milestone as she exited the game with 700 innings pitched in her career
 
Kyte thrived in her relief appearance as she didn't allow a run over four innings
 
Harvey blasted two doubles along with a single, her first three hit game of her career. She accounted for three of the Owls' four hits
 
On Deck
The final series of the regular season takes place in Fort Myers, Fla. May 3-4 versus FGCU. It's the season's first Friday doubleheader.

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.