2/23/2025 | Softball | Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score 

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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (5-11) fell in both games, losing 7-4 to Kentucky and 15-7 to Coastal Carolina. The Owls battled back from early deficits in both games, but were unable to overcome Kentucky's late-game surge and Coastal Carolina's explosive early innings. 

Game 1: Kentucky 7, Kennesaw State 4 

Kentucky wasted no time getting on the board, scoring two runs in the top of the first. After an error allowed a runner on base, a double set the table for a two-run hit to right center. KSU responded in the bottom of the inning, as Hannah Harvey reached on an error and was brought home by an RBI double from Ana Gore, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Gore's double was a perfectly placed shot in the left-field corner, dropping just at the fence to give the Owls their first run of the game. 

In the second inning, the Owls' defense managed to escape a bases-loaded jam unscathed, thanks to a clutch defensive effort. With a runner on, a Kentucky hitter attempted a bunt but popped up to first base. Lexie Shaver then made an incredible sliding catch to secure the out, helping KSU avoid further damage. In the bottom of the inning, Macie Howes hit a solo home run to left field, evening the score 2-2. 

Kentucky added two more runs in the third. After a leadoff single, a wild pitch advanced a runner into scoring position, leading to back-to-back RBI doubles, extending the Wildcats' lead to 4-2. KSU's defense delivered a highlight-worthy moment later in the inning. With runners on base, Kentucky hit into a textbook around-the-horn double play. 

Kennesaw State answered with an explosive third inning of its own. Shaver led off with a triple to right center and was immediately driven in by a sacrifice fly from Harvey. Moments later, Ava Guzowski showcased her speed with an inside-the-park home run, closing the gap to 4-4. 

However, Kentucky continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. After a walk and a bunt single, a single to center brought in another run. A double followed, pushing the Wildcats ahead 6-4. The Owls' bats were kept quiet in the fourth and fifth innings as Kentucky's pitching adjustment stifled KSU's momentum. 

The Wildcats tacked on another insurance run with a solo home run in the fifth, ending the game in a 7-4 deficit.  

Game 2: Coastal Carolina 15, Kennesaw State 7 

Coastal Carolina's offense exploded early, scoring four runs in the first inning. They capitalized on an error and a wild pitch to put runners in scoring position. A single to left field brought in the first run, followed by a sacrifice fly to center field for the second run. A hit-by-pitch and a walk loaded the bases, and a two-RBI single to left field brought in two more runs, making it 4-0. 

Kennesaw State answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Lexie Shaver walked and advanced to second on a single by Hannah Harvey. Ava Guzowski laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Harvey to second and Shaver to third. After Ana Gore walked to firs, bases were load. The Owls capitalized on a fielder's choice by Ava Brooke Strickland, bringing Shaver home. Jojo Johnson then singled to left field, bringing Gore home and making it 4-2. 

Coastal Carolina added a solo home run in the second inning and another in the third, extending their lead to 6-2. The Chanticleers had a big inning in the fourth, scoring three runs by a three-run homer, making it 9-2. 

KSU showed fight with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Strickland doubled down the left field line and Johnson walked. Howes laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving both runners into scoring position. Ty Hardeman singled to center field, driving in both Strickland and Johnson, making it 9-4. 

Coastal Carolina scored six runs in the fifth inning. They started with a single and a walk, ended by a sacrifice fly and a three-run homer capped off the inning, making it 15-4. 

The Owls added three more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Guzowski walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Strickland singled down the left field line, bringing Guzowski home. Johnson walked, and Emma Brinkman singled to left field, driving in both Strickland and Johnson. Despite their efforts, Coastal Carolina's early lead proved insurmountable, resulting in a 15-7 loss for Kennesaw State. 

Quick Hits: 

• Ava Guzowski hit an inside-the-park home run in Game 1. 
• Ava Brooke Strickland reached base multiple times, including a double in both games. Strickland is on a three-game hitting streak.  
• Emma Brinkman recorded multiple RBIs in Game 2. 
• The Owls sit at 10 homeruns for the season.  

On Deck: 

The Black and Gold will prepare to take on their in-state ACC foe, Georgia Tech. They are set to travel to Atlanta, Ga., for a 6 p.m. first pitch on February 25.