By: Ariana Page
Kennesaw State (3-8, 0-0 Conference USA)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga.
Friday, Feb. 21 @ 3 p.m. – vs. Memphis
Friday, Feb. 22 @ 12 p.m. – vs. Coastal Carolina
Saturday, Feb. 22 @ 3 p.m. – vs. Georgia State
Saturday, Feb. 23 @ 11:30 a.m. – vs. Kentucky
Sunday, Feb. 23 @ 2 p.m. – vs. Coastal Carolina
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State softball is set to be one of the three host sites for the I-75 Challenge for the eighth straight season, alongside the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Georgia State Panthers. The tournament will feature Memphis, Coastal Carolina, and Kentucky. The Owls will take on the Tigers, Chanticleers, Panthers, and Wildcats over the weekend, opening with Memphis on Friday at 3 p.m. at Bailey Park.
Fans can enjoy Taylor Swift song bingo and pom poms during the Friday game as part of the Taylor Swift themed day.
Series History
Kennesaw State has an evenly matched history against Memphis, holding a 1-1 record in the series. The two teams first met on February 21, 2009, with the Tigers securing a 7-4 victory. KSU bounced back in their most recent matchup on February 8, 2014, winning 4-3 in an extra-inning thriller. The Owls' largest margin of victory in the series is 4-3, achieved in their latest game.
The Owls have a dominant history against the Chanticleers, holding a perfect 6-0 record in the series. The two teams first met on March 21, 1996, with KSU securing a commanding 9-0 victory, which was the largest margin of victory in the series. In their most recent matchup on February 8, 2013, KSU won 1-0 in an extra-inning battle.
Kennesaw State has a competitive history against Georgia State, holding a 27-23 all-time record in the series. The two teams first met on April 10, 1991, with the Panthers securing a 3-0 victory. KSU's largest margin of victory in the series is 15-0, achieved on April 24, 2001. In their most recent matchup on February 18, 2025, the Owls fell in a narrow 3-2 battle on the road in Atlanta. Over their last ten meetings, the series is tied at 5-5.
The Black and Gold have had a brief history against Kentucky, holding a 1-0 all-time record in the series. The two teams first and only met on February 14, 2015, with KSU securing a thrilling 9-8 victory.
A Smashing Start
Kennesaw State has come out swinging to start the 2025 season, blasting seven home runs through just 11 games. Leading the power surge are Ana Gore, Ty Hardeman, and Lexie Shaver, each with two home runs, while Ava Guzowski has chipped in one. Guzowski has been a key offensive contributor, driving in five RBIs and tallying 16 total bases. Hardeman has been just as impactful, batting .280 with nine RBIs, while Shaver has added six RBIs.
Stepping up to the Plate
Freshman Ana Gore has been a key offensive force for Kennesaw State, leading the team with a .364 batting average while collecting 12 hits and 10 RBIs. She has added power to the lineup with four doubles and showcased her consistency with back-to-back hits against Georgia State (2/18). Transfer Ava Brooke Strickland has also made an impact early in the season, batting .292 with two RBIs. She has recorded seven hits and became the first Owl to notch a triple this season. With four new Owls in the lineup, their growing team development will only strengthen their power at the plate as the season progresses.
Inside the Circle
The pitching staff has been a key factor. Kenley Hilleary has logged a team-high 24 innings, posting a 2.33 ERA with 12 strikeouts. Emma Friedel has been a standout performer in the circle, holding opponents to a .219 batting average while maintaining a 4.36 ERA. Leah Jannakos has also chipped in valuable innings, allowing just five earned runs across 9.1 frames. Olivia Tyson has contributed with 12.2 innings pitched, despite the loss.
On Deck
The Owls are set to travel to Atlanta, Ga. to face the Yellow Jackets once again on Tuesday, February 25, at 6 p.m.
All games, apart from the game on Saturday, Feb. 22, against Georgia State, will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2025.
