3/23/2025 | Softball | Box Score
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Huntsville, Texas – The Kennesaw State Owls (9-24, 0-9 CUSA) put up a tough fight, but ultimately fell short in a hard-fought 3-1 battle against Sam Houston (17-15, 6-3 CUSA).
Kenley Hilleary delivered a dominant performance in the circle, pitching a complete game without allowing a single walk. Despite her efficiency and a late push from the Owls, an early Bearkat lead proved too much to overcome.
How It Happened
The Bearkats struck first in the opening frame, launching a two-run homer over the left field wall to grab an early 2-0 advantage. KSU had a chance to respond in the second as Jojo Johnson worked a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Reese Evans. However, back-to-back flyouts kept Johnson stranded, stalling the Owls' momentum.
Lexie Shaver broke through in the third with KSU's first hit of the night for the Owls, a sharp single up the middle, but the Owls' bats were silenced until the fifth. Defensively, KSU held firm in the bottom half, executing a crucial sequence with runners on the corners to keep the deficit at two.
A costly defensive miscue in the fourth allowed Sam Houston to extend its lead. With a Bearkat on third after a stolen base, a throwing error allowed her to race home, putting the Bearkats up 3-0.
KSU found a spark in the fifth, as Macie Howes launched a solo home run to left field, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The Owls continued to apply pressure, putting runners aboard in the seventh inning, but couldn't break through against Sam Houston's bullpen.
In the final frame, Howes and Madison Miller worked walks, but the Bearkats shut the door to secure the 3-1 win.
Quick Hits
- Macie Howes delivered a hit in every game of the Sam Houston series, boasting an impressive .571 batting average. She was a force at the plate, reaching base in six of her seven appearances at bat.
- Madison Miller capped off the series with a .500 batting average, reaching base in all six of her at-bats.
- Lexie Shaver anchored the defense, tallying 24 putouts over the course of the series.
On Deck
The Owls will take a week before embarking on another road trip to Murfreesboro, Tenn., for their fourth Conference USA series against Middle Tennessee. The series begins on Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. ET.
