By: Ariana Page
3/7/2025 | Softball | Box Score
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LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Kennesaw State Owls (8-15, CUSA 0-1) faced a tough challenge against the Liberty Lady Flames. Despite a promising start and briefly taking the lead in the third inning, the Owls struggled to maintain their momentum, ultimately falling 10-4.
How It Happened
Despite a lead off strikeout in the top of the first, Hannah Harvey managed a single to shortstop on a full count. However, the momentum was halted after a fly out to center and strike out swinging, leaving Harvey stranded on first.
In the bottom half, the Lady Flames' leadoff hitter popped up on a full count to second base for the first out. Liberty then singled to left center field and followed up with a double to the left fence. A strong defensive play by Ana Gore fielding the ball in left field secures the second out at third base. An Owls' fielding error allowed another batter to reach base, putting runners on the corners. Liberty attempted a double steal, successfully stealing home before the Owls tagged out the runner at second base to close the first inning in 0-1 deficit.
In the second inning, the Owls struggled to find their rhythm at the plate. Ava Guzowski grounded out to shortstop for the first out, followed by Jojo Johnson grounding out to third base. Macie Howes also grounded out to third, resulting in a quick three up, three down inning for the Owls, all hitting towards the left side.
When Liberty came to bat, their first batter flied out to center field. The Lady Flames then singled up the middle and quickly stole second on the first pitch. A wild pitch allowed the runner to advance to third. Liberty capitalized with a single to left center field, bringing a runner home and extending their lead to 2-0. The next two batters flied out to right and left field, ending the inning with the Lady Flames holding a 2-0 advantage.
The Owls' bats came alive in the third inning, starting with Madison Miller's single to shortstop, though she was called out for leaving the base early. Ty Hardeman then ripped a standup double to the left fence. Alora Bevily struck out for the second out, but Harvey reached on a Liberty fielding error, advancing Hardeman to third. Shaver singled up the middle, sending Hardeman home and cutting the deficit to 2-1. Gore followed with a double to left field, driving in two runs as Shaver and Harvey scored, putting the Owls ahead. Guzowski then doubled to right center, bringing Gore home and extending the lead to 4-2. Johnson popped up to second base to end the inning with the Owls taking a 4-2 lead.
In the bottom half, Liberty responded with a single up the middle. The next batter reached on a fielder's choice, with the first runner out at second. Liberty then smashed a home run over the right fence, evening the score at 4-4. The Lady Flames continued with a single to left center field, prompting the Owls to bring in Emma Friedel to pitch. The next batter reached on a fielder's choice, with the runner out at second. Liberty closed the inning by grounding out to third base, leaving the score tied at 4-4.
The fourth inning stalled the Owls when the next three batters struck out, resulting in a quick three up, three down innings for the Owls.
Liberty's offense took advantage in the bottom half. The inning began with a pop-up to third base for a quick first out. However, the Lady Flames quickly gained momentum with a hit by pitch, followed by a pinch runner who stole second base. A base hit to center field advanced the runner to third, putting Liberty in a strong scoring position. The Lady Flames capitalized with an inside-the-park home run, bringing in three runs and taking a 7-4 lead. The Owls managed to get the second out with a groundout to third base and closed the inning with a foul out to third.
Bevily led off the fifth inning with her first hit of the game, a single to right field. However, Harvey flied out to center field on a full count, followed the next two batters striking out, ending the top of the inning.
Liberty's turn at bat began with a groundout to second base. The next batter reached base on a bunt and promptly stole second. Friedel then recorded her first strikeout of the game, catching the batter looking. A walk from the next batter set up a double steal on a passed ball, advancing both runners to scoring position. Despite the threat, the Owls managed to close the inning with a fly out to center field, leaving Liberty runners stranded on second and third base.
In the sixth inning, the Owls continued to struggle at the plate. After a strike out and ground out, Howes managed a single to right field on a full count. Miller was walked, advancing Howes to second. However, Hardeman closed the inning with a strikeout looking, leaving the Owls without any runs.
Liberty came out strong in the bottom of the sixth. They opened with a double to the right fence on a full count, followed by a single to left field, advancing the runner to third. The Lady Flames then smacked a three-run home run off the first pitch, stretching their lead to 10-4. Kenley Hilleary entered the circle for the Owls, but Liberty continued to apply pressure. A walk and a single through the right side placed runners on first and second. A groundout to first base allowed the runners to advance to second and third. Another walk loaded the bases, but Hilleary managed to retire the next two batters with a strikeout and a flyout, ending the inning with Liberty holding a 10-4 advantage.
In the seventh inning, the Owls made a final attempt to close the gap. However, their efforts fell short as they grounded out to shortstop, flied out to center field, and closed out the game with a strikeout swinging. The Liberty Lady Flames secured the victory with a final score of 10-4.
Quick Hits:
- Ava Guzowski hits a double to extend her hitting streak to six games.
- Hannah Harvey boasts a six-game hitting streak.
- Eight out of nine batters recorded a hit in the game.
On Deck:
The Owls will return to the ballpark for the second game in the series against Liberty on Saturday, March 8th at 3 p.m. The series will continue with the final game on Sunday, March 9th at 12:30 p.m. as the Owls look to bounce back and even the series against the Lady Flames.
