2/22/2025 | Softball | Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score 

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KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State Owls (5-9) experienced a day of contrasting fortunes at Bailey Park, splitting their doubleheader. They succumbed to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 3-1, only to rally and blank the Georgia State Panthers 1-0 in shutout showdown.  

Game 1: Coastal Carolina 3, Kennesaw State 1 

Coastal Carolina threatened early, putting a runner in scoring position in the second, but KSU's defense slammed the door. The Owls' bats were silenced, with Macie Howes's single in the second being their lone hit for a considerable stretch. 

The fourth inning saw Ava Brooke Strickland deliver a defining moment. Facing her former team, Coastal Carolina, Strickland launched a solo home run, giving the Owls a 1-0 edge. However, the Chanticleers leveled the score in the fifth, capitalizing on an Owls' miscue. Coastal Carolina had an offensive surge, belting back-to-back solo homers in the sixth to seize a 3-1 advantage. 

KSU attempted a comeback in the seventh, with Howes singling and Strickland reaching on a walk. However, KSU was unable to capitalize, leaving the Owls stranded and the final score 3-1. 

Game 2: Kennesaw State 1, Georgia State 0 

In a tight matchup, Kennesaw State edged out Georgia State with a 1-0 victory. Emma Friedel pitched a complete game, delivering a shutout performance in the circle. 

The Owls scored the game's lone run in the third inning. Lexie Shaver drew a walk, then swiped second, putting herself in scoring position. Strickland delivered a clutch fielder's choice, plating Shaver and giving KSU the 1-0 lead. The Owls continued to apply pressure, but the Panthers' defense held firm, preventing any further damage. 

Friedel remained dominant on the mound, holding Georgia State scoreless throughout the game. Despite Georgia State putting runners on base in the seventh, Friedel and the Owls defense closed the game, securing the shutout and the victory. 

Quick Hits: 

• Ava Brooke Strickland is the fifth Owl to hit a homerun this season. 
• Emma Friedel delivered a complete-game shutout against Georgia State, highlighted by a no-hit inning in the second. 
• Lexie Shaver leads the Owls in stolen bases after swiping two from Georgia State. 

On Deck 

The Owls are set to hit the dirt on Sunday, February 23 for the last day of the I-75 Challenge. They'll face their first SEC opponent, Kentucky, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a chance to even the score against Coastal Carolina at 2:00 PM.