By: Ariana Page
Kennesaw State (9-17, 0-3 Conference USA)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga.
Watch: ESPN+
Game 1: Friday, March 14 @ 6 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday, March 15 @ 3 p.m.
Game 3: Sunday, March 16 @ 12:30 p.m.
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Series Game Notes: Click here
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State (9-17, 0-3 Conference USA) will look to carry on its momentum into the weekend as they continue conference play, facing FIU (19-8, 2-1 Conference USA) in a three-game series starting Friday, March 14, at 6 p.m. The Owls look to even out their record in CUSA.
Series History
Kennesaw State leads the series with a 1-0 record against Florida International University. The teams met on March 1, 2013, where Kennesaw State triumphed with a 5-2 win. In that game, FIU took an early lead, scoring in the second and third innings. However, the Owls rallied in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to take the lead. KSU added another security run in the fifth inning with a home run. The Owls have not faced the Panthers since that game, marking this weekend as the second meeting between teams.
A Smashing Start
Kennesaw State has come out swinging to start the 2025 season, blasting 15 home runs through just 26 games, including three that landed this past Wednesday when the Owls faced West Georgia. Notably, Jojo Johnson smashed a walk-off grand slam for the first time in Owl's history since the 2023 season, marking her first collegiate home run. The Owls are only three away from surpassing last season's total. Leading the power surge is Ava Guzowski with four home runs, while Ana Gore follows closely behind with three. Ty Hardeman and Lexie Shaver each have two home runs, with four other Owls contributing one each. Guzowski has been a key to the offensive, hitting the first inside-the-park home run of the 2025 season, driving in 13 RBIs and tallying 40 total bases. Hardeman has been just as impactful, batting .237 with 16 RBIs. Shaver has added 12 RBIs with five doubles while reaching base 33 times. Hannah Harvey has been on an impressive nine-game hitting streak, further bolstering the Owls' offensive lineup.
Stepping up to the Plate
Freshman Ana Gore has been a key offensive force for Kennesaw State, collecting 20 hits and leading in RBIs with 17, while adding power to the lineup with eight doubles. She showcased her consistency with back-to-back home runs against Georgia State on February 18. Jojo Johnson and Gore have been the only freshmen to start every game this season and are two of the five players to have started every game. Adding to the offensive strength, Alora Bevily has held the leadoff spot for the last six games and helps lead the Owls in batting average with .320. Bevily has also been perfect on the base paths, going 4-for-4 in stolen bases. 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 for Kennesaw State. Kenley Hilleary has logged a team-high 49.2 innings, posting a 3.24 ERA with 30 strikeouts. Emma Friedel delivered a complete-game shutout against Georgia State, allowing just three hits while striking out six and holding the Panthers scoreless in a 1-0 victory. Friedel now boasts a total of 44.0 innings pitched with 43 strikeouts on the season. Friedel has shown her dominance in relief this past Wednesday against West Georgia. She pitched a perfect two innings to close the game, recording six strike outs and another three up, three down in the top of the sixth. Leah Jannakos delivered a standout performance against in-state ACC opponent Georgia Tech, holding them scoreless through four innings.
CUSA Control
Kennesaw State is making its presence known within Conference USA, with several players and the team as a whole placing on the leaderboard. Ana Gore has been a force at the plate, sitting in third in the conference with eight doubles and ranking among the top 20 with 17 RBIs. Ty Hardeman's 16 RBIs keep her in the top 20. In the circle, Emma Fridel has been racking up strikeouts, placing eighth in CUSA with 43. Defensively, Jojo Johnson is a standout, leading the conference and ranking 12th nationally with 60 assists. Ava closely follows in third place in the conference with 51 assists and 17th with four homeruns. At first base, Lexie Shaver's 155 putouts placed her first in the conference. As a team, the Owls are fourth in CUSA with 37 doubles. Behind the plate, Macie Howes's seven caught stealing places her within the NCAA's top 25 and leads the conference.
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. Most recently, the Owls' pitching staff held Georgia Tech to four scoreless innings, demonstrating their ability to contain ACC-powered offenses.
On Deck
The Black and Gold will hit the road for a seven-game road stretch, kicking off with Chattanooga on Tuesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2025.
