2/8/2025 | Softball | Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score 

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CLEARWATER, Fla. – Kennesaw State (0-4) continued their opening weekend at the Eddie C. Moore Complex, but fell in back-to-back contests against Penn State and Pittsburgh. Despite showing flashes of promise, the Owls were unable to overcome early deficits, dropping a 9-1 decision to Penn State before falling 2-0 to Pitt. 

Game 1: Penn State 9, Kennesaw State 1 

The Owls found themselves trailing early as Penn State capitalized on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. The Nittany Lions plated two runs in the first inning on a two-run homer and added two more in the second. 

KSU broke through in the third inning after Ava Brooke Strickland worked a leadoff walk. Ty Hardeman put the ball in play, reaching on an error by Penn State's first baseman, allowing Strickland to advance to third. Lexie Shaver then delivered the Owls' lone RBI of the game with a ground ball to bring Strickland home and cut the deficit to 4-1. 

Penn State's offense continued to apply pressure, adding a run in the third and two more in the fourth, extending the lead to 7-1. Freshman Taylor Daniel came in as relief in the bottom of the second, working 1.1 innings while allowing two runs and striking out one. Olivia Tyson and Emma Friedel also saw action in the circle, with Tyson recording two strikeouts. 

Game 2: Pittsburgh 2, Kennesaw State 0 

Game two saw a strong pitching performance from Kenley Hilleary, who tossed a complete game, allowing just one earned run over six innings while striking out four. However, the Owls' bats struggled against Pitt, who held KSU to just three hits. 

Pittsburgh broke the scoreless tie in the second inning, scratching across a run on an RBI double. The Panthers tacked on an insurance run in the fifth after a leadoff double set up a scoring opportunity. 

KSU's best scoring chance came in the sixth when Ava Guzowski roped a double to left, but the Owls were unable to bring her home. Ty Hardeman also added a hit, but the offense couldn't capitalize with runners on base. 

Quick Hits 

• Kenley Hilleary pitched a complete game against Pitt, allowing just one earned run while striking out four over six innings. 
• Ava Guzowski notched a hit in both games, including a double against Pitt.
• Hannah Harvey smashed a fly ball out to center field for a double vs. Penn State.  
• Emma Brinkman appeared at bat vs. Penn State for the first time in her collegiate career.  

On Deck 

Kennesaw State will look to Sunday, Feb. 9 when they face the Texas Tech Red Raiders at 1 p.m.