By: Ariana Page
Kennesaw State (5-11, 0-0 Conference USA)
Location: Atlanta, Ga.
Wednesday, Feb. 25 @ 5 p.m. – at Georgia Tech (10-7, 0-0 ACC)
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State is gearing up to travel down I-75 to battle their seventh Power Four opponent of the season, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The in-state clash is set for Tuesday, February 25, at 5 p.m., marking the 37th meeting between these two programs.
Series History
The Owls and Yellow Jackets have a series history dating back to April 30, 1992. Over the years, the two teams have met multiple times, with Georgia Tech holding the advantage in the series. With the previous 2025 matchup being postponed, the most recent face off occurred on April 23, 2024, where Kennesaw State fell to Georgia Tech with a score of 7-10. KSU faces a 4-14 series deficit when it comes to facing the Yellow Jackets at Mewborn Field.
A Smashing Start
Kennesaw State has come out swinging to start the 2025 season, blasting 10 home runs through just 16 games, including three that landed from this past weekend during our I-75 Challenge. The Owls are only eight away from surpassing last season's total. Leading the power surge are Ana Gore, Ty Hardeman, Ava Guzowski, and Lexie Shaver, each with two home runs, while Ava Brooke Strickland and Macie Howes have both chipped in one. Guzowski has been a key offensive contributor, hitting the first inside the park homerun on the 2025 season, driving in six RBIs and tallying 22 total bases. Hardeman has been just as impactful, batting .231 while leading the Owls with 13 RBIs. Shaver has added six RBIs while reaching bases 20 times.
Stepping up to the Plate
Freshman Ana Gore has been a key offensive force for Kennesaw State, leading the team with a .348 batting average while collecting 16 hits and 11 RBIs. She has added power to the lineup with six doubles and showcased her consistency with back-to-back homerun hits against Georgia State (2/18). Transfer Ava Brooke Strickland has also made an impact early in the season with being on a three-game hitting streak. Strickland is batting a .297 average with six RBIs. She has recorded 11 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 32.2 innings, posting a 3.86 ERA with 19 strikeouts. Emma Friedel delivered a complete-game shutout against Georgia State. Over seven innings, she allowed just three hits while striking out six and holding the Panthers scoreless in a 1-0 victory. She navigated through 28 batters, capping off a strong stretch for Friedel. She now boasts a 3.12 ERA across 24.2 innings pitched with 20 strikeouts on the season. Leah Jannakos has also chipped in valuable innings, allowing just 12 earned runs across 19.2 frames. Olivia Tyson has contributed with 14.2 innings pitched.
Power Four Proof
Kennesaw State has proven they can compete with some of the nation's top programs, going toe-to-toe with multiple Power Four opponents this season. The Owls struck first against No. 20 Northwestern, holding the lead through two innings and keeping it a one-run game until the end. Against Kentucky, KSU battled to a tie through three innings, showcasing their resilience against the Wildcats. The Owls also put up strong fights against Iowa and Penn State, while their defense held No. 10 Texas Tech and Pitt to just a few runs in hard-fought contests.
On Deck
The Owls prepare for their final tournament at Bailey Park for the 2025 season, where they'll take on Rider, St. John's, Saint Louis, and ETSU starting Friday, February 28th.
Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2025.
