2/9/2025 | Softball | Box Score 
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CLEARWATER, Fla. – Kennesaw State (0-5) put up a strong defensive effort, but was unable to generate enough power at the plate, falling 0-3 to No. 10 Texas Tech (5-1) at the Eddie C. Moore Complex. 

How It Happened 

Texas Tech wasted no time applying pressure, scoring twice in the first inning. After a leadoff single, a stolen base and a groundout moved the runner to third. A deep sacrifice fly to right brought in the first run. Another stolen base set up a second run as a ground ball to first allowed the runner to score, giving KSU an early 2-0 deficit. 

From there, both pitching staffs took over. Emma Friedel settled in after the opening frame, retiring the next seven batters she faced. The Owls' defense made key plays behind her, including a diving catch by Ty Hardeman and a routine flyout to right field by Ana Gore to strand a runner in the fourth. 

KSU's offense looked for momentum in the third inning when Hannah Harvey roped a single up the middle. With one out, Lexie Shaver worked a walk to put two runners aboard, but a strikeout and a groundout ended the threat. 

The Owls continued to battle, putting another runner on base in the fifth when Ava Brooke Strickland was hit by a pitch, but the offense struggled to string hits together. 

Texas Tech added an insurance run in the sixth inning when a leadoff batter launched a solo home run over the left-field wall. Friedel responded by inducing a popout and striking out the next batter, limiting further damage. 

In the seventh, KSU attempted to rally when Jojo Johnson reached on an error. She advanced to third on a groundout, but the Owls were unable to bring her home, as a popout to first ended the game. 

Quick Hits 

• Emma Friedel allowed only four hits and struck out five. 
• Hannah Harvey and Macie Howes recorded KSU's two hits against the No. 1 ranked pitcher in the country by Softball America. 
• Ava Guzowski reached base with a walk for the second consecutive game. 

On Deck 

Kennesaw State will look to regroup before heading back to Bailey Park to host Georgia Tech on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.