2/21/2025 | Softball | Box Score 

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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (4-8) battled past Memphis (8-4) 5-3 on the opening day of the I-75 Challenge, breaking the 1-1 series history tie. The Owls not only claimed the series advantage, but also halted the Tigers' three-game winning streak, delivering a statement win at home. 

How It Happened 

The Owls broke onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning when Ava Brooke Strickland worked a walk, advanced on a pair of wild pitches. Jojo Johnson laced a sharp single through the middle, sending Strickland across home plate. Johnson stole second to move into scoring position, but Memphis managed to limit the damage and keep the deficit at one. 

KSU tacked on another run in the fourth. Ana Gore led off with a single to center before Madison Miller entered as a pinch-runner. Johnson legged out an infield single to shortstop, setting the stage for Emma Brinkman, who delivered an RBI single up the middle to plate Miller and extend the Owls' lead to 2-0. 

Memphis capitalized on a defensive miscue in the sixth, turning an error into a two-run rally with a double and a single to center, knotting the game at 2-2. 

The Owls wasted no time responding. In the home half of the inning, Alora Bevily and Macie Howes reached base to set the table for Ty Hardeman, who clutched a two-run double to left, giving KSU a 4-2 advantage. Hannah Harvey then delivered by ripping a triple to deep center to drive in another run and push the lead to 5-2. 

Memphis scratched across one final run in the seventh on a fielder's choice, but Leah Jannakos held firm in the circle, shutting the door to secure the win. 

Quick Hits 

• Hannah Harvey extended her hitting streak to five games, going 2-for-4 with a single and a triple while driving in a run. She became the second Owl this season to hit a triple. 
• Ana Gore continued her hot streak, going 2-for-3 with two singles and scoring a run, marking her third consecutive multi-hit game. 
• Jojo Johnson went 2-for-3 with an RBI single and adding a stolen base. 
• Leah Jannakos delivered 4.2 scoreless innings and allowed just three hits.
• The team set a new season high with 11 hits in a game. 

On Deck 

The Owls continue their run in the I-75 Challenge, squaring off against Coastal Carolina on Saturday at 12 p.m. and Georgia State at 3 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.