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El Paso, Texas – Kennesaw State put up a strong fight on Sunday afternoon, but a late push from the UTEP Miners handed the Owls a 5–3 loss in the series finale at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex. 

The Owls stayed aggressive at the plate, scoring in three straight innings and keeping the pressure on, but the Miners' sixth-inning surge proved to be the difference. 

How It Happened 

After UTEP jumped out to a 2–0 lead through the first two innings, Kennesaw State answered back in the third. Ty Hardeman was hit by a pitch to start the frame and came around to score when Ava Guzowski delivered an RBI single to center field, cutting the deficit to 2–1. 

The Owls kept the momentum rolling into the fourth. Macie Howes doubled to left center and later scored following a fielding error in the outfield, tying the game at 2–2. 

Kennesaw State grabbed its first lead in the top of the fifth. Jojo Johnson ripped a single to get things started. Madison Miller entered to pinch run, moved around the bases, and came home on a clutch double from Lexie Shaver, giving the Owls a 3–2 advantage. 

However, UTEP responded in the bottom of the sixth with three runs to retake the lead, giving the Miners the 5-3 victory to take the series. 

Quick Hits 

• Macie Howes stayed hot at the plate, smashing a double in back-to-back games and extending her hitting streak to four straight games.  
• Howes led the Owls in hits during the series, racking up five, including two doubles. 
• Ava Guzowski made her presence at the plate, driving in four runs over the series.  
• She also wreaked havoc on the bases, going a perfect 2-for-2 in stolen base attempts. 
• Emma Friedel closed the series with a 0.84 era with nine strikeouts and only one earned run. 

On Deck 

The Owls return to Bailey Park for their final home series of the 2025 season, hosting New Mexico State in a meaningful three-game matchup. The series opener on Friday, May 2 will spotlight Mental Health Awareness Night, while the finale will honor the team's graduating seniors for Senior Night.