3/14/2025 | Softball | Box Score  
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KENNESAW, Ga. – A late rally propelled the FIU Panthers (20-8, 2-2 CUSA) to a 4-2 victory over the Kennesaw State Owls (9-18, 0-4 CUSA) in game one of their CUSA series on Friday night. The game was a pitcher's duel for much of the evening, with three scoreless innings. 

How It Happened 

The game opened with a scoreless first inning. FIU put a runner on base early with a single, advancing them to third on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. However, the Panthers couldn't capitalize, stranding runners on the corners. 

KSU threatened in the bottom of the first after Ava Guzowski reached on a throwing error and Ana Gore followed with a single. Both advanced into scoring position on a passed ball, but were stranded at second and third. 

The Panthers continued to struggle with runners left on base, leaving two aboard in the second after drawing a pair of walks. 

KSU broke through in the bottom of the second, taking a 1-0 lead on an unearned run. Jojo Johnson reached on a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. A sacrifice bunt by Macie Howes moved her to third, and when pinch runner Alex Russo stole second, an error by the catcher allowed Johnson to cross the plate. 

Both teams remained quiet in the third, with the Owls holding onto their 1-0 advantage. 

Lexie Shaver dominated the top of the fourth, recording three unassisted putouts at first base. KSU added to their lead in the bottom half when Johnson roped an RBI double, bringing Shaver home and making it 2-0. 

FIU responded in the fifth, taking advantage of a KSU error to push across an unearned run and cut the lead to 2-1. 

The seventh inning proved costly for the Owls, as three different KSU pitchers took the circle. The Panthers capitalized, scoring three runs on walks and wild pitches. The Panthers took a 4-2 lead.  

KSU was unable to rally in the bottom half, sealing a victory for the Panthers. 

Quick Hits: 

• Jojo Johnson made her presence across board, recording a RBI, hit, double, and run.   
• Hannah Harvey extended her hitting streak to 10 games.  
• Ana Gore delivered a multi-hit game that included a double.   
• Kenley Hilleary controlled the circle for 5.1 frames, racking six strikeouts and allowing just three hits.  

On Deck: 

The Owls continue their CUSA series against FIU, as game two is slated for Saturday, March 15 at 3 p.m. 

Admission is free to all Kennesaw State softball home games in 2025.