2/28/2025 | Softball | Box Score
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (5-13) was edged out in an extra-inning battle against Rider, falling 2-1 in the eighth on the first day of the Kennesaw State Tournament. The Broncs capitalized on late-game opportunities to secure the win.
How It Happened
Rider opened the scoring in the top of the first inning. With bases loaded, the Broncs crossed home plate on a fielder's choice after a series of hits and an error, putting a single run on the board. Kennesaw State struggled to respond, managing only one hit in the bottom of the first.
The second and third innings were quiet for both sides, with both pitchers finding their rhythm. Ava Brooke Strickland recorded a single in the second, but the Owls were unable to bring her home.
The Owls threatened in the fourth, with Ana Gore drawing a walk, but was followed by two more outs to turn the inning. Rider also had a chance in the fourth with a single up the middle putting a Bronc on base, but the Owls' defense held strong.
Despite opportunities in the fifth, where the Broncs put runners on with walks and a stolen base, and in the sixth, when Hannah Harvey singled for the Owls, both teams' offenses remained stagnant. Pitching largely controlled the middle frames, preventing either side from placing more runs on the board.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Black and Gold finally broke through. Macie Howes singled and later scored on a clutch double down center field by Briana Bumbalough to tie the game 1-1, sending the game to extra innings.
Rider capitalized in the top of the eighth, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly after placing a runner on second due to extra innings rules and advancing to third on a stolen base. KSU attempted a comeback in the bottom of the eighth, moving Ty Hardeman to third with a sacrifice bunt, but was unable to even the score.
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The Owls will return for day two of the Kennesaw State Tournament on March 1 to face the St. John's Red Storm at 1 p.m. and the Saint Louis Billikens at 7 p.m.
Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2025.
